Every ACLS provider can recite the H's and T's. Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion, Hypo/Hyperkalemia, Hypothermia. Tension pneumo, Tamponade, Toxins, Thrombosis pulmonary, Thrombosis coronary.

But reciting a list is not the same as recognizing one at the bedside during a code.

"Reciting a list under fluorescent classroom lights is not the same skill as finding the cause under a strip of red-flashing monitor alarms."

The 10 causes at a glance

H

Hypovolemia

Hemorrhage, GI losses, sepsis, burns. Fluids and blood.