ACLS STUDY GUIDE (PALS, BLS, ACLS) EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS

ACLS STUDY GUIDE (PALS, BLS, ACLS) EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS *Rationale:* The ECG waveform described is most likely ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular tachycardia would create abnormal, but regular waveforms. Asystole is a "flat line" and PEA can be almost any rhythm, except asystole, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation. The goal of the PALS team in the treatment of shock is to: A) Improve oxygen delivery B) Prevent organ injury C) Stop the progression to cardiopulmonary failure D) All of the above - Answer-All of the above *Rationale:* These are all important goals of shock management in children. Untreated shock may lead to cardiopulmonary failure, decreased blood perfusion, decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues, and organ damage. When evaluating a child's bradycardia, it is important to consider the child's: A) Baseline rate B) Level of activity C) Clinical condition D) All of the above - Answer-All of the above *Rationale:* An abnormally slow heart rate must be evaluated in the context of the child's current condition. Is the child sleeping? What is her normal heart rate, i.e., is this slow for her? Most importantly, is the bradycardia causing symptoms or is it likely to cause symptoms imminently? For asystole, the team should do CPR until IV or IO access is achieved. The drug of choice for asystole is: - Answer-Epinephrine *Rationale:* Epinephrine is the drug of choice for the treatment of asystole. In school age children and infants, the two most common initial rhythms seen in pediatric cardiac arrest are: - Answer-Asystole and PEA *Rationale:* While cardiac arrest in children is usually preceded by respiratory distress and failure, the two most common, immediate causes of cardiac arrest in children are asystole and PEA. What is the correct depth of chest compressions in an adult? - Answer-Between 2 and 2.4 inches