ACLS A+ Exam Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of defibrillation - ANSWER-Stuns the heart and briefly stops all electrical activity- if the heart is still viable, its normal pacemakers may eventually resume electrical activity What is the initial tx of VF and pulseless VT? - ANSWER-Defibrillation. CPR until defibrillator is available What is the ACLS standard dose of Epinephrine during an adult cardiac arrest? - ANSWER-Give 1 mg every 3-5 minutes What is the ACLS standard dose of Amiodarone during an adult cardiac arrest? - ANSWER-First dose: 300 mg bolus. Second dose: 150 mg What drug is the first-line antiarrhythmic agent given in cardiac arrest? - ANSWER-amiodarone What ACLS drug is recommended for torsades de pointes associated with a long QT interval? - ANSWER-Magnesium Sulfate Consider using this antiarrhythmic drug for treatment of VF or pulseless VT unresponsive to shock delivery, CPR, and a vasopressor - ANSWER-Amiodarone Remember your H's and T's. Name the "H's" - ANSWER-Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hyper-/hypokalemia, hypothermia Remember your H's and T's. Name the "T's" - ANSWER-Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins, Thrombosis (pulmonary), Thrombosis (coronary) Signs and Symptoms of unstable tachycardia - ANSWER-hypotension, altered mental status, signs of shock, chest discomfort, acute heart failure According to current ACLS guidelines, what should be the initial clinical treatment for a patient experiencing a heart rate above 150 & who is unstable? - ANSWER-Synchronized cardioversion. If regular narrow complex, consider adenosine.