Never administer stimulants and no external massage. It may be difficult to palpate a pulse is a severely hypothermic patient. Auscultating the chest for 1-2 minutes for a heartbeat might be required. If none is heard, life support must be initiated. Defibrillation knot usually effective until the core temperature is greater than 28 C. Hyperventilation and its respiratory alkalosis can precipitate V-fib, but you have no choice if they must be done.
Medications are also dependent on the patient's temperature.
At less than 30 C, medications should be held. As the patient warms, a toxic level in the central circulation may occur Core temperatures greater than 30 C, medications can be administered per guidelines, but with longer intervals between doses. Return to top of page. Adults as well as older children can also suffer from RSV infections, but adults often appear to have only mild cold-like symptoms. RSV infections occur throughout the year but is most prevalent during the winter months.