ACLS Quiz: H's & T's Explained

Questions and Answers

What are the 5 H's in ACLS?

Hyper/hypokalemia (correct)

Thrombosis

Hypovolemia (correct)

Hypoxia (correct)

What are the 5 T's in ACLS?

Hypertension

Thrombosis (pulmonary) (correct)

Tamponade (correct)

Toxins (correct)

What is a potential effective intervention for hypovolemia?

Volume Infusion

What are three potential effective interventions for hypoxia?

Oxygenation, Ventilation, Advanced Airway Signup and view all the answers

What are four potential effective interventions for hyperkalemia?

Calcium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Glucose plus insulin, Possibly Albuterol Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effective intervention for hypokalemia?

Add magnesium in cardiac arrest Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effective intervention for hypothermia?

Warm up the patient with warm blankets and warm fluids Signup and view all the answers

What are two potential effective interventions for tension pneumothorax?

Needle Decompression, Tube Thoracostomy Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential effective intervention for cardiac tamponade?

Pericardiocentesis Signup and view all the answers

What are two potential effective interventions for drug overdose due to toxins?

Intubation, Specific antidotes & agents per toxidrome Signup and view all the answers

What are two potential effective interventions for massive pulmonary embolism?

Surgical Embolectomy, Fibrinolytics Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

H's and T's in ACLS

The "5 H's" critical conditions are:
- Hypovolemia: low blood volume
- Hypoxia: insufficient oxygenation
- Hydrogen Ions (acidosis): elevated acid levels causing acidosis
- Hyper/hypokalemia: imbalances of potassium levels
- Hypothermia: dangerously low body temperature
The "5 T's" critical conditions include:
- Tension Pneumothorax: air trapped in the pleural space causing pressure
- Tamponade (cardiac): fluid accumulation around the heart affecting its function
- Toxins: harmful substances or drugs affecting the body
- Thrombosis (pulmonary): blood clots in the lungs
- Thrombosis (coronary): blood clots in the coronary arteries

Interventions for H's

Hypovolemia:
- Volume infusion to restore blood volume
Hypoxia:
- Provide oxygenation to increase oxygen levels
- Ensure ventilation to facilitate breathing
- Utilize advanced airway techniques for secure breathing support
Hyperkalemia:
- Administer Calcium Chloride to stabilize heart muscle
- Use Sodium Bicarbonate to address acidosis
- Administer Glucose with insulin to shift potassium into cells
- Consider Albuterol as an additional treatment option
Hypokalemia:
- Supplement magnesium in cases of cardiac arrest for better heart function
Hypothermia:
- Warm the patient through various methods such as:
  - Using warm blankets for external warmth
  - Infusing warm fluids to raise internal body temperature

Interventions for T's

Tension Pneumothorax:
- Perform needle decompression to relieve pressure
- Conduct tube thoracostomy for continuous drainage
Tamponade (cardiac):
- Execute pericardiocentesis to remove fluid from around the heart
Toxins:
- Intubate for airway protection in severe overdose scenarios
- Administer specific antidotes or agents based on the type of toxin involved
Thrombosis (Pulmonary Embolism):
- Surgical embolectomy as a method to remove clots
- Utilize fibrinolytics to dissolve blood clots rapidly

Description

Test your knowledge on the critical H's and T's in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). This quiz covers essential concepts including causes of cardiac arrest and effective interventions. Perfect for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance their skills in emergency response.