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Questions and Answers
What is the most appropriate intervention for a 49-year-old woman with persistent epigastric pain?
What is the most appropriate intervention for a 49-year-old woman with persistent epigastric pain?
Which intervention has the highest priority for a patient in respiratory failure with a heart rate of 30/min?
Which intervention has the highest priority for a patient in respiratory failure with a heart rate of 30/min?
What is the appropriate procedure for endotracheal tube suctioning?
What is the appropriate procedure for endotracheal tube suctioning?
Suction during withdrawal but for no longer than 10 seconds.
What is the first intervention for a patient with a blood pressure of 68/30 mm Hg and dizziness?
What is the first intervention for a patient with a blood pressure of 68/30 mm Hg and dizziness?
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What is the most appropriate action for EMS personnel after assessing a patient with right arm weakness?
What is the most appropriate action for EMS personnel after assessing a patient with right arm weakness?
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What intervention should be performed next for a patient with a positive prehospital stroke assessment?
What intervention should be performed next for a patient with a positive prehospital stroke assessment?
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What is the proper ventilation rate for a patient in cardiac arrest with an advanced airway in place?
What is the proper ventilation rate for a patient in cardiac arrest with an advanced airway in place?
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What intervention should you perform next for a patient with fast heartbeat but no chest pain?
What intervention should you perform next for a patient with fast heartbeat but no chest pain?
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What intervention should you perform next for a patient with a lead II ECG displaying regular wide-complex tachycardia?
What intervention should you perform next for a patient with a lead II ECG displaying regular wide-complex tachycardia?
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What is the initial priority for an unconscious patient with tachycardia?
What is the initial priority for an unconscious patient with tachycardia?
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Which rhythm requires synchronized cardioversion?
Which rhythm requires synchronized cardioversion?
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What is the recommended second dose of adenosine for patients in refractory narrow-complex tachycardia?
What is the recommended second dose of adenosine for patients in refractory narrow-complex tachycardia?
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What is the post-cardiac arrest target range for PETCO2 during ventilation?
What is the post-cardiac arrest target range for PETCO2 during ventilation?
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What condition contraindicates therapeutic hypothermia during post-cardiac arrest?
What condition contraindicates therapeutic hypothermia during post-cardiac arrest?
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What is the potential danger of using ties that pass circumferentially around the neck when securing an advanced airway?
What is the potential danger of using ties that pass circumferentially around the neck when securing an advanced airway?
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What is the most reliable method of confirming and monitoring correct placement of an endotracheal tube?
What is the most reliable method of confirming and monitoring correct placement of an endotracheal tube?
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What is the recommended IV fluid bolus dose for a hypotensive post-cardiac arrest patient?
What is the recommended IV fluid bolus dose for a hypotensive post-cardiac arrest patient?
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What is the minimum systolic blood pressure one should aim for in a post-cardiac arrest patient?
What is the minimum systolic blood pressure one should aim for in a post-cardiac arrest patient?
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What is the first treatment priority for a patient who achieves return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)?
What is the first treatment priority for a patient who achieves return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)?
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What should be done to minimize interruptions in chest compressions during CPR?
What should be done to minimize interruptions in chest compressions during CPR?
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Which condition indicates stopping or withholding resuscitative efforts?
Which condition indicates stopping or withholding resuscitative efforts?
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What should be your next action after verifying the absence of a pulse and initiating CPR?
What should be your next action after verifying the absence of a pulse and initiating CPR?
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What should you do after activating the emergency response team for an unresponsive patient?
What should you do after activating the emergency response team for an unresponsive patient?
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What is the recommendation on the use of cricoid pressure during cardiac arrest?
What is the recommendation on the use of cricoid pressure during cardiac arrest?
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What survival advantages does CPR provide to a patient in ventricular fibrillation?
What survival advantages does CPR provide to a patient in ventricular fibrillation?
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What is the recommended compression rate for performing CPR?
What is the recommended compression rate for performing CPR?
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What is the most important early intervention for a patient in cardiac arrest?
What is the most important early intervention for a patient in cardiac arrest?
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What is the recommended action for a patient in ventricular fibrillation despite 1 shock?
What is the recommended action for a patient in ventricular fibrillation despite 1 shock?
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What is the best playlist for all Heart.org ACLS codes?
What is the best playlist for all Heart.org ACLS codes?
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In which situation does bradycardia require treatment?
In which situation does bradycardia require treatment?
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Which intervention is most appropriate for the treatment of a patient in asystole?
Which intervention is most appropriate for the treatment of a patient in asystole?
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What action should you take next after resuming high-quality CPR when asystole is confirmed?
What action should you take next after resuming high-quality CPR when asystole is confirmed?
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What is your next action for a patient with supraventricular tachycardia who has not responded to vagal maneuvers?
What is your next action for a patient with supraventricular tachycardia who has not responded to vagal maneuvers?
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Which therapy is indicated for a patient with sinus bradycardia and low blood pressure?
Which therapy is indicated for a patient with sinus bradycardia and low blood pressure?
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What drug should be administered first for a patient in cardiac arrest with refractory ventricular fibrillation?
What drug should be administered first for a patient in cardiac arrest with refractory ventricular fibrillation?
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What should be done if rtPA is administered in a patient requiring fibrinolytic therapy?
What should be done if rtPA is administered in a patient requiring fibrinolytic therapy?
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What is the recommended second dose of amiodarone for a patient in refractory ventricular fibrillation?
What is the recommended second dose of amiodarone for a patient in refractory ventricular fibrillation?
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What is the initial dose of atropine for a patient with bradycardia?
What is the initial dose of atropine for a patient with bradycardia?
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What drug should be administered for a patient in pulseless ventricular tachycardia?
What drug should be administered for a patient in pulseless ventricular tachycardia?
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What is the maximum interval for pausing chest compressions?
What is the maximum interval for pausing chest compressions?
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What should you administer next for a patient with a history of type 2 diabetes who feels dizzy and has low blood pressure?
What should you administer next for a patient with a history of type 2 diabetes who feels dizzy and has low blood pressure?
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How often should you switch chest compressors to avoid fatigue?
How often should you switch chest compressors to avoid fatigue?
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What is an advantage of using hands-free defibrillation pads?
What is an advantage of using hands-free defibrillation pads?
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What is the primary purpose of a medical emergency team (MET)?
What is the primary purpose of a medical emergency team (MET)?
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What is the preferred method of access for epinephrine administration during cardiac arrest?
What is the preferred method of access for epinephrine administration during cardiac arrest?
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What is a common mistake in cardiac arrest management?
What is a common mistake in cardiac arrest management?
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What should be done immediately after providing an AED shock?
What should be done immediately after providing an AED shock?
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What is the appropriate first medication for a patient with dizziness and bradycardia?
What is the appropriate first medication for a patient with dizziness and bradycardia?
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Which drug and dose are recommended for managing refractory ventricular fibrillation?
Which drug and dose are recommended for managing refractory ventricular fibrillation?
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What is the indication to consider terminating resuscitative efforts?
What is the indication to consider terminating resuscitative efforts?
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What is the appropriate ventilation strategy for an adult in respiratory arrest with a pulse rate of 80/min?
What is the appropriate ventilation strategy for an adult in respiratory arrest with a pulse rate of 80/min?
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Study Notes
ACLS Overview
- Basic information on Heart.org ACLS codes is available through a comprehensive playlist on YouTube.
- Feedback from failed attempts can aid in improving performance toward passing ACLS courses.
Bradycardia Treatment
- Bradycardia requires treatment if accompanied by hypotension.
Cardiac Arrest Interventions
- Epinephrine is the key intervention for patients in asystole.
- For ventricular fibrillation not responding to shocks, after two defibrillation attempts, administer epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO.
- In cases of pulseless ventricular tachycardia, amiodarone 300 mg is recommended after unsuccessful initial treatments.
Supraventricular Tachycardia Management
- For narrow-complex tachycardia at a rate of 220/min with stable vital signs, administer adenosine 6 mg IV push.
- Persistent symptoms after initial vagal maneuvers suggest the need for drug intervention (adenosine).
Fibrinolytic and Antiplatelet Therapy
- Aspirin should be withheld for at least 24 hours following the administration of rtPA in a patient meeting fibrinolytic therapy criteria.
Post-Rhythmic Cardiac Arrest Protocol
- Following resuscitation, if a patient becomes unresponsive, administer an immediate unsynchronized high-energy shock if indicated.
CPR Techniques and Recommendations
- High-quality CPR is defined by a compression rate of 100-120 per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches.
- Complete chest recoil is crucial for effective CPR, allowing maximum blood return to the heart.
- Switch chest compressors every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue.
- Ensure minimal interruptions during chest compressions, with a maximum pause of 10 seconds.
Ventilation Protocols
- In respiratory failure cases, provide rescue breaths about every 5-6 seconds.
- Use gentle ventilation techniques to avoid air entering the stomach (gastric inflation).
Drug Administration Guidelines
- First dose of atropine recommended for symptomatic bradycardia is 0.5 mg.
- If initial atropine is ineffective in bradycardia, the subsequent approach should include administering dopamine (2-10 mcg/kg/min).
- Magnesium sulfate is indicated for pulseless ventricular tachycardia associated with torsades de pointes.
Post-Resuscitation Considerations
- Continuous monitoring of CPR quality through capnography is necessary to ensure effective compressions.
- In the case of ineffective CPR, consider terminating resuscitative efforts if prolonged asystole persists despite intensive measures.
Airway Management
- When managing an advanced airway during CPR, maintain continuous compressions with appropriate ventilations (10 per minute).
Stroke Assessment and Management
- Use the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale to assess potential stroke patients and facilitate timely medical interventions.
Indications for Termination of Resuscitation
- Resuscitation efforts may be legally and ethically ceased in cases of rigor mortis or established death.
Important Measures
- For any patient indicating dizziness and bradycardia with unstable vitals, immediate response through atropine administration is critical.
This structured set of notes encapsulates essential actions, drug dosages, and guidelines relevant to Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, prepared to aid comprehension and retention for ACLS certification or refresher training.### Head CT Scan
- A head CT scan is a diagnostic imaging tool used to assess brain injuries, bleeding, and other neurological conditions.
Cardiac Arrest Ventilation
- For patients in cardiac arrest with an advanced airway, the proper ventilation rate is 8-10 breaths per minute.
ECG Monitoring
- In cases of rapid heart rate (pulse 200/min) with normal oxygenation (95% saturation), the next step is to obtain a 12-lead ECG.
Unstable Patient Management
- A patient showing signs of severe distress (blood pressure 58/32 mm Hg, heart rate 190/min) with wide-complex tachycardia requires synchronized cardioversion.
Tachycardia Assessment
- The initial priority for an unconscious patient with tachycardia is to determine the presence of pulses.
Synchronized Cardioversion
- Unstable supraventricular tachycardia is specifically indicated for synchronized cardioversion.
Adenosine Dosing
- For patients experiencing refractory but stable narrow-complex tachycardia, the second dose of adenosine should be 12mg.
Post-Cardiac Arrest Goals
- Post-cardiac arrest, a PETCO2 target of 35-40 mm Hg is recommended during ventilation.
Therapeutic Hypothermia Contraindications
- Patients responding to verbal commands should not undergo therapeutic hypothermia during the post-cardiac arrest period.
Airway Security Risks
- Ties that encircle the neck when securing an advanced airway can obstruct venous return from the brain.
Endotracheal Tube Placement
- Continuous waveform capnography serves as the most reliable method for confirming and monitoring endotracheal tube placement.
IV Fluid Administration
- In the post-cardiac arrest period, hypotensive patients achieving ROSC should receive an IV fluid bolus of 1 to 2 Liters.
Systolic Blood Pressure Goals
- Aim for a minimum systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg in hypotensive post-cardiac arrest patients.
Post-ROSC Management
- The first treatment priority after achieving ROSC is optimizing ventilation and oxygenation.
CPR Continuity
- To minimize interruptions during CPR, continue chest compressions while the defibrillator is charging.
Resuscitation Considerations
- A safety threat to providers may warrant stopping or withholding resuscitative efforts.
Post-CPR Actions
- After verifying the absence of a pulse, initiate CPR and establish IV or IO access as the next action.
Emergency Team Activation
- Upon confirming unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing, activating the emergency response team is crucial before checking for a pulse.
Cricoid Pressure Guidelines
- Routine use of cricoid pressure to prevent aspiration during cardiac arrest is not recommended.
CPR Survival Benefits
- CPR provides a modest amount of blood flow to the heart in patients suffering from ventricular fibrillation.
CPR Compression Rate
- The recommended compression rate during CPR is at least 100 compressions per minute.
Early Defibrillation
- In cases of cardiac arrest with ongoing CPR by bystanders, early defibrillation is the most critical intervention upon EMS arrival.
Ventricular Fibrillation Intervention
- If a patient remains in ventricular fibrillation after one shock and two minutes of CPR, the recommended action is to administer a second shock.
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Description
This quiz contains a series of flashcards that cover essential ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) concepts and codes for 2021. It's a valuable resource for medical professionals preparing for certifications or needing a quick review on topics like bradycardia and emergency protocols.
