ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT ALS EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH 100% SOLVED ANSWERS!!
Out of hospital, what percentage of patients who receive resuscitation survive to return
home?
9%
In 2019-2020, what is the overall survival of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest to discharge?
23.9%
What is the second biggest cause of death in the UK?
Ischaemic Heart Disease
Out of hospital, what percentage of cases of cardiac arrest are VF/ pulseless VT, asystole
and PEA?
VF/ pulseless VT = 25%
Asystole = 50%
PEA = 25%
Out of hospital, what percentage of people in whom resuscitation is attempted, achieve
ROSC?
30%
In hospital, what percentage of cases of cardiac arrest are shockable and non-shockable?
And what are the rates of survival for these rhythms?
,VF/ pulseless VT = 18.1%, survival = 50.6%
PEA/ asystole = 73.1%, survival = 14.4%
What are the 4 steps in the chain of survival?
Early recognition, early CPR, early defibrillation and post-resuscitation care
What is the in-hospital number for the resuscitation team?
2222
What should not delay attempts to defibrillate a patient in VF/ pulseless VT?
Chest compressions and ventilation
What is classified as early defibrillation? And what survival rates does this produce?
Defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of collapse. Survival rates 50-70%
What are the shockable rhythms?
VF and pulseless VT
What are the non-shockable rhythms?
PEA and asystole
What is the rate of compressions to ventilations for adults?
30:2
What is the first 3 steps in the ALS pathway?
Check for danger, check for patient response, call for help
What are the 4 H's?
,Hypoxia, hypovolemia, hypo/hyperthermia, hypo/hyperkalaemia
What are the 4 T's?
Thrombosis (MI or PE), toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax
What mode of imaging should you consider during cardiac arrest to recognise reversible
causes?
Ultrasound or coronary angiography/ PCI
Extracorporeal CPR
A method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation that passes the patient's blood through a machine in a
process to oxygenate the blood supply. A portable extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device
is used as an adjunct to standard CPR.
How often should you perform rhythm checks during CPR?
2 minutes
What SpO2 should you aim for post ROSC?
94-98%
How much and how often do you give adrenaline during CPR?
1mg IV initially after the third shock, then every 3-5 minutes/ at alternate shocks
How much and how often do you give amiodarone during CPR?
300mg IV initially after the third shock - ONLY in shockable rhythms
What is the appropriate depth and rate of chest compressions?
, 5-6cm at a rate of 100-120bpm
What are the key non-technical skills involved in resuscitation?
Situational awareness, decision making, team working/ leadership and task management
What are some of the important points of information gathering when involved in an
arrest?
Potential causes => note location, staff information leading up to event, note actions already
initiated, confirm who is present and who is LEADING
Interpretation => confirm diagnosis, check monitor is attached, determine immediate needs and
actions
Future planning => Consider impact of interventions, plan next steps
What are some of the decisions that can be made at an arrest?
Choice of shock, appropriate treatment, how long to continue resuscitation, appropriate post-
resus care
What makes a good resuscitation team member?
Competence, communication, commitment, supportive, accountable, creative, prepare to admit
when help is needed
What is the TEAM tool?
Team Emergency Assessment Measure - teaching instrument and discussion point for both
instructors and candidates
What is SBARD?
QUESTIONS WITH 100% SOLVED ANSWERS!!
Out of hospital, what percentage of patients who receive resuscitation survive to return
home?
9%
In 2019-2020, what is the overall survival of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest to discharge?
23.9%
What is the second biggest cause of death in the UK?
Ischaemic Heart Disease
Out of hospital, what percentage of cases of cardiac arrest are VF/ pulseless VT, asystole
and PEA?
VF/ pulseless VT = 25%
Asystole = 50%
PEA = 25%
Out of hospital, what percentage of people in whom resuscitation is attempted, achieve
ROSC?
30%
In hospital, what percentage of cases of cardiac arrest are shockable and non-shockable?
And what are the rates of survival for these rhythms?
,VF/ pulseless VT = 18.1%, survival = 50.6%
PEA/ asystole = 73.1%, survival = 14.4%
What are the 4 steps in the chain of survival?
Early recognition, early CPR, early defibrillation and post-resuscitation care
What is the in-hospital number for the resuscitation team?
2222
What should not delay attempts to defibrillate a patient in VF/ pulseless VT?
Chest compressions and ventilation
What is classified as early defibrillation? And what survival rates does this produce?
Defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of collapse. Survival rates 50-70%
What are the shockable rhythms?
VF and pulseless VT
What are the non-shockable rhythms?
PEA and asystole
What is the rate of compressions to ventilations for adults?
30:2
What is the first 3 steps in the ALS pathway?
Check for danger, check for patient response, call for help
What are the 4 H's?
,Hypoxia, hypovolemia, hypo/hyperthermia, hypo/hyperkalaemia
What are the 4 T's?
Thrombosis (MI or PE), toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax
What mode of imaging should you consider during cardiac arrest to recognise reversible
causes?
Ultrasound or coronary angiography/ PCI
Extracorporeal CPR
A method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation that passes the patient's blood through a machine in a
process to oxygenate the blood supply. A portable extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device
is used as an adjunct to standard CPR.
How often should you perform rhythm checks during CPR?
2 minutes
What SpO2 should you aim for post ROSC?
94-98%
How much and how often do you give adrenaline during CPR?
1mg IV initially after the third shock, then every 3-5 minutes/ at alternate shocks
How much and how often do you give amiodarone during CPR?
300mg IV initially after the third shock - ONLY in shockable rhythms
What is the appropriate depth and rate of chest compressions?
, 5-6cm at a rate of 100-120bpm
What are the key non-technical skills involved in resuscitation?
Situational awareness, decision making, team working/ leadership and task management
What are some of the important points of information gathering when involved in an
arrest?
Potential causes => note location, staff information leading up to event, note actions already
initiated, confirm who is present and who is LEADING
Interpretation => confirm diagnosis, check monitor is attached, determine immediate needs and
actions
Future planning => Consider impact of interventions, plan next steps
What are some of the decisions that can be made at an arrest?
Choice of shock, appropriate treatment, how long to continue resuscitation, appropriate post-
resus care
What makes a good resuscitation team member?
Competence, communication, commitment, supportive, accountable, creative, prepare to admit
when help is needed
What is the TEAM tool?
Team Emergency Assessment Measure - teaching instrument and discussion point for both
instructors and candidates
What is SBARD?
