AHA ACLS 2020 EXAMINATION TEST PAPER
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
COMPLETE SOLUTION
◉ A patient is in pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Two shocks and 1
dose of epinephrine have been given. Which drug should be given
next? Answer: Amiodarone 300mg
◉ A patient has a rapid irregular wide-complex tachycardia. The
ventricular rate is 138/min. He is asymptomatic, with a blood
pressure of 110/70 mm Hg. He has a history of angina. What action
is recommended next? Answer: Seek expert consultation
◉ What is the indication for the use of magnesium in cardiac arrest?
Answer: Pulseless ventricular tachycardia-associated
◉ VA patient with STEMI has ongoing chest discomfort. Heparin
4000 units IV bolus and a heparin infusion of 1000 units per hour
are being administered. The patient did not take aspirin because he
has a history of gastritis, which was treated 5 years ago. What is
your next action? Answer: Give aspirin 162-325mg to chew
◉ A monitored patient in the ICU developed a sudden onset of
narrow-complex tachycardia at a rate of 220/min. The patient's
, blood pressure is 128/58 mm Hg, the PETCO2 is 38 mm Hg, and the
pulse oximetry reading is 98%. There is vascular access in the left
arm, and the patient has not been given any vasoactive drugs. A 12-
lead ECG confirms a supraventricular tachycardia with no evidence
of ischemia or infarction. The heart rate has not responded to vagal
maneuvers. What is your next action? Answer: Administer 6mg
Adenosine IV push
◉ A patient has sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 36/min.
Atropine has been administered to a total dose of 3 mg. A
transcutaneous pacemaker has failed to capture. The patient is
confused, and her blood pressure is 88/56 mm Hg. Which therapy is
now indicated? Answer: Epi 2-10 mcg/min
◉ Which intervention is most appropriate for the treatment of a
patient in asystole? Answer: Epi
◉ A patient with possible STEMI has ongoing chest discomfort.
What is a contraindication to nitrate administration? Answer: Use of
a phosphodiesterase within the previous 24 hours
◉ You arrive on the scene with the code team. High-quality CPR is in
progress. An AED has previously advised "no shock indicated." A
rhythm check now finds asystole. After resuming high-quality
compressions, which action do you take next? Answer: Establish
IV/IO access
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
COMPLETE SOLUTION
◉ A patient is in pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Two shocks and 1
dose of epinephrine have been given. Which drug should be given
next? Answer: Amiodarone 300mg
◉ A patient has a rapid irregular wide-complex tachycardia. The
ventricular rate is 138/min. He is asymptomatic, with a blood
pressure of 110/70 mm Hg. He has a history of angina. What action
is recommended next? Answer: Seek expert consultation
◉ What is the indication for the use of magnesium in cardiac arrest?
Answer: Pulseless ventricular tachycardia-associated
◉ VA patient with STEMI has ongoing chest discomfort. Heparin
4000 units IV bolus and a heparin infusion of 1000 units per hour
are being administered. The patient did not take aspirin because he
has a history of gastritis, which was treated 5 years ago. What is
your next action? Answer: Give aspirin 162-325mg to chew
◉ A monitored patient in the ICU developed a sudden onset of
narrow-complex tachycardia at a rate of 220/min. The patient's
, blood pressure is 128/58 mm Hg, the PETCO2 is 38 mm Hg, and the
pulse oximetry reading is 98%. There is vascular access in the left
arm, and the patient has not been given any vasoactive drugs. A 12-
lead ECG confirms a supraventricular tachycardia with no evidence
of ischemia or infarction. The heart rate has not responded to vagal
maneuvers. What is your next action? Answer: Administer 6mg
Adenosine IV push
◉ A patient has sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 36/min.
Atropine has been administered to a total dose of 3 mg. A
transcutaneous pacemaker has failed to capture. The patient is
confused, and her blood pressure is 88/56 mm Hg. Which therapy is
now indicated? Answer: Epi 2-10 mcg/min
◉ Which intervention is most appropriate for the treatment of a
patient in asystole? Answer: Epi
◉ A patient with possible STEMI has ongoing chest discomfort.
What is a contraindication to nitrate administration? Answer: Use of
a phosphodiesterase within the previous 24 hours
◉ You arrive on the scene with the code team. High-quality CPR is in
progress. An AED has previously advised "no shock indicated." A
rhythm check now finds asystole. After resuming high-quality
compressions, which action do you take next? Answer: Establish
IV/IO access
