ACLS Concepts: H's and T's Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the Ts in ACLS?

Tension pneumothorax (correct)

Thrombosis-pulmonary (correct)

Tamponade (correct)

Thrombosis-coronary (correct)

Trauma (correct)

Toxins (OD) (correct)

What are the H's in ACLS?

Hydrogen ion excess (acidosis) (correct)

Hypokalemia/hyperkalemia (correct)

Hypothermia/hyperthermia (correct)

Hypovolemia (correct)

Hypoxia (correct)

Hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia (correct)

What is a pathological condition in which the body as a whole is deprived of oxygen?

generalized hypoxia

What is a pathological condition in which a region of the body is deprived of oxygen?

tissue hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

What is it called when hypoxia causes a complete deprivation of oxygen supply?

anoxia Signup and view all the answers

What are the early symptoms (Sx) of hypoxia in an adult?

Restlessness, Anxiety, Tachycardia, Tachypnea Signup and view all the answers

Restlessness and anxiety in the sedated patient are seen as what?

moving around in the OR bed/table Signup and view all the answers

What are the late symptoms (Sx) of hypoxia in the adult?

Bradycardia, Extreme restlessness, Dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

What is the mnemonic for early and late signs of hypoxia in the adult?

RAT (early) and BED (late) Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms (Sx) of hypoxia in children (peds)?

FINES: Feeding difficulty, Inspiratory stridor, Nares flare, Expiratory grunting, Sternal retractions Signup and view all the answers

What are the 4 types of hypoxia?

Hypoxic hypoxia, Anemic hypoxia, Stagnant hypoxia, Histotoxic hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

Hypoxic patients have a decrease in what?

oxygen tension Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical causes of hypoxic hypoxia?

Hypoventilation, V/Q mismatch, High altitudes, Sleep apnea, Hypopnea, Low concentration of oxygen for delivery, Inadequate pulmonary ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Anemic patients have a decrease in what?

oxygen carrying capacity Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical causes of anemic hypoxia?

Anemia, Blood loss, CO poisoning, Methemoglobinemia Signup and view all the answers

Stagnant hypoxia results in a decrease in what?

perfusion Signup and view all the answers

What type of hypoxia is defined as cellular hypoxia?

Histotoxic hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

What type of hypoxia occurs as a consequence of low partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood?

hypoxic hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

In which type of hypoxia is the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood normal?

hypoxic hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

What type of hypoxia has a decreased carrying capacity for oxygen?

anemic hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

How do you treat anemic hypoxia?

blood transfusions, hyperbaric chamber, bone marrow transplant Signup and view all the answers

What type of hypoxia has decreased cardiac output and sluggish blood flow?

Stagnant hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the oxy-hemoglobin curve when PCO2 increases?

Shifts it to the right Signup and view all the answers

What type of hypoxia has normal oxygen delivery but the tissues cannot utilize it?

histotoxic hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

What inhibits the ability of hemoglobin to release the oxygen bound to it?

carbon monoxide Signup and view all the answers

What is an abnormal version of hemoglobin that builds up in the blood?

methemoglobinemia Signup and view all the answers

What blocks the action of cytochrome oxidase enzyme completely so tissues cannot use the O2?

Cyanide poisoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal potassium (K+) range for this class?

3.5 - 4.5 mEq Signup and view all the answers

Hypokalemia is defined as a potassium level less than what?

3.5 mEq/L Signup and view all the answers

What is the range for moderate hypokalemia?

2.5 - 3 mEq/L Signup and view all the answers

What is the range for severe hypokalemia?

less than 2.5 mEq/L Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ts of ACLS

Toxins (OD): Overdose of substances affecting bodily functions.
Tamponade: Accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, compressing the heart.
Tension pneumothorax: Air trapped in the pleural cavity leading to collapsed lung.
Thrombosis: Includes pulmonary and coronary, indicating blockage in blood vessels.
Trauma: Physical injury impacting vital organs and systems.

Hs of ACLS

Hypoxia: Inadequate oxygen supply to tissues.
Hypokalemia/Hyperkalemia: Abnormal potassium levels affecting heart rhythm and muscle function.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: Body temperature extremes impacting metabolic processes.
Hypoglycemia/Hyperglycemia: Imbalance in blood sugar levels affecting energy supply.
Hypovolemia: Low blood volume reducing perfusion.
Hydrogen ion excess (acidosis): High acidity affecting cellular function.

Hypoxia Definitions

Generalized Hypoxia: Whole body deprived of oxygen.
Tissue Hypoxia: Specific region of the body deprived of oxygen.
Anoxia: Complete deprivation of oxygen supply.

Symptoms of Hypoxia in Adults

Early Symptoms (RAT):
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Tachycardia & Tachypnea
Late Symptoms (BED):
- Bradycardia
- Extreme restlessness
- Dyspnea (severe)

Pediatric Symptoms of Hypoxia

FINES:
- Feeding difficulty
- Inspiratory stridor
- Nares flare
- Expiratory grunting
- Sternal retractions
See-saw effect of chest and abdomen: Indicates severe respiratory distress.

Types of Hypoxia

Hypoxic Hypoxia: Low oxygen tension; causes include hypoventilation, high altitudes, and COPD.
Anemic Hypoxia: Reduced oxygen carrying capacity due to low red blood cell count; causes include anemia and CO poisoning.
Stagnant Hypoxia: Decreased blood perfusion due to conditions like heart failure and shock.
Histotoxic Hypoxia: Inability of tissues to utilize oxygen despite normal delivery; often due to cyanide.

Hypoxia Mechanisms

Hypoxic Hypoxia: Occurs from low partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.
Anemic Hypoxia: Decreased hemoglobin leading to low oxygen binding sites.
Stagnant Hypoxia: Decrease in cardiac output and blood flow.
Histotoxic Hypoxia: Cellular inability to utilize oxygen, with normal delivery.

Treatment of Hypoxic Conditions

Anemic Hypoxia: Managed with blood transfusions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and bone marrow transplants.
Stagnant Hypoxia: Improved with interventions aimed at increasing perfusion and cardiac output.

Oxy-Hemoglobin Dynamics

Oxy-Hemoglobin Curve: Right shift occurs with increased PCO2, reducing hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.
CO Poisoning: Impairs hemoglobin’s ability to release oxygen.

Potassium Levels

Normal Range: 3.5 - 4.5 mEq/L.
Hypokalemia: Defined as potassium levels below 3.5 mEq/L; moderate (2.5 - 3 mEq/L) and severe is below this range.
Methemoglobinemia: Abnormal hemoglobin causing reduced oxygen transport.

Toxicological Implications

Cyanide Poisoning: Blocks cytochrome oxidase, preventing tissue utilization of oxygen.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the critical H's and T's in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential definitions and conditions to remember during life-threatening emergencies. Ideal for healthcare professionals and students preparing for ACLS certification.