What is the emergency treatment approach for complete heart block?

In cases of complete heart block, the heart's electrical signals are not effectively transmitted from the atria to the ventricles, leading to a significantly reduced heart rate and potentially inadequate blood flow. The primary emergency treatment approach for this condition is transcutaneous pacing, which involves delivering electrical stimuli to the heart through the skin to restore a normal rhythm.

Transcutaneous pacing is critical in urgent situations where patients exhibit symptoms such as severe bradycardia or hypotension due to the block, as it can quickly stabilize the patient's heart rate and prevent serious complications. It is a non-invasive method and can be initiated immediately while preparing for more definitive treatments if needed, such as the placement of a permanent pacemaker.

In contrast, while IV fluids and antiarrhythmic drugs may be relevant in other contexts of cardiac conditions, they do not directly address the underlying issue of complete heart block. Additionally, performing CPR is necessary in cases of cardiac arrest, but it is not the first-line response when managing complete heart block, which still has a pulse. Therefore, preparing for transcutaneous pacing is the most effective and immediate response to this life-threatening situation.