How is hypothermia addressed as a reversible cause in cardiac arrest?

• A. Rewarm gradually; treat underlying causes; continue chest compressions and advanced life support as needed.
• B. Rapidly rewarm with external warming only and stop CPR
• C. Do nothing
• D. Use cold saline infusion

Answer: (A)

When hypothermia is the reversible cause of cardiac arrest, the focus is on rewarming the patient while preserving perfusion through ongoing resuscitation. Hypothermia slows metabolism but can preserve organ viability, so you keep chest compressions and advanced life support active as you rewarm. Rewarming should be gradual and multimodal: external warming (like forced-air blankets), warming the inspired air, and warmed IV fluids as appropriate; if available, more invasive methods such as intravascular or extracorporeal (ECMO/cardiopulmonary bypass) warming for severe cases. At the same time, address underlying issues and maintain airway, ventilation, and circulation. Do not stop CPR during rewarming, and avoid using cold saline, which would worsen the temperature deficit.