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Questions and Answers
What are the steps involved in BLS assessment?
What should be done if there is no pulse detected within 10 seconds?
Start CPR beginning with chest compressions.
When should rescue breathing be initiated?
Interruptions in chest compressions should not exceed 10 seconds.
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What does the acronym SAMPLE stand for in secondary assessment?
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Which of the following is a symptom of hypovolemia?
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Match the condition with its treatment:
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Defibrillation is used to treat cardiac problems, such as ventricular fibrillation.
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The recommended compression rate during CPR is __________ compressions per minute.
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What is the first step in the primary assessment?
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Hypothermia symptoms include shivering and previous exposure to cold.
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Study Notes
BLS Assessment
- Steps include checking responsiveness and breathing, shouting for help, assessing breathing and pulse, and defibrillation if necessary.
Check for Responsiveness and Breathing
- Administer oxygen to patients experiencing acute cardiac symptoms.
- Shake and shout for unresponsive individuals; for trauma, use touch and talk.
- If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, immediately seek help.
Shouting for Help
- Activate the emergency response system.
- Retrieve an AED if available.
- Assign someone to activate emergency services while obtaining an AED.
Breathing and Pulse Assessment
- Look for absent or abnormal breathing, focusing on chest movement.
- Conduct pulse check alongside breathing assessment within 10 seconds.
- If no pulse is detectable, commence CPR with chest compressions. If a pulse is present, provide rescue breaths every 5-6 seconds.
CPR Initiation
- Begin CPR with chest compressions immediately after confirming no pulse for 10 seconds.
- If a pulse is felt, provide rescue breathing and check pulse every 2 minutes.
Defibrillation
- Check for shockable rhythm using an AED upon its arrival if no pulse is detected.
- Administer shocks as prescribed, resuming CPR immediately after each shock.
Chest Compression Interruptions
- Limit interruptions to no longer than 10 seconds, avoiding factors such as prolonged rhythm analysis or unnecessary movements.
- Blood flow ceases to the brain and heart during interruptions.
Quality of Compressions
- Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 110-120 compressions per minute while allowing complete chest recoil.
- Change compressor every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued to maintain effective CPR.
Primary Assessment Components
- Evaluate Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Defibrillation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE).
Airway Management
- Ensure the airway is patent; apply head tilt chin lift for unconscious patients.
- Consider advanced airway interventions if needed, including intubation.
Breathing Support
- Provide supplemental oxygen; for cardiac patients, deliver 100% oxygen.
- Assess ventilation/effectiveness; ensure breaths allow chest rise and avoid excessive ventilations.
Circulation Evaluation
- Conduct responsiveness and breathing check, calling for emergency assistance if necessary.
- Palpate carotid/femoral pulse; initiate chest compressions if absent.
Disability Assessment
- Quickly check neurologic function including responsiveness, level of consciousness, and pupil dilation.
Exposure and Physical Examination
- Remove clothing to examine for trauma, bleeding, burns, or any unusual markings, including medical alert identifiers.
Secondary Assessment
- Focus on differential diagnosis, gathering a focused patient history, and utilizing the SAMPLE acronym: Signs/symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events leading to the situation.
Causes of Cardiac Arrest (H's and T's)
- Identify and treat conditions such as hypovolemia, hypoxia, acidosis, hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalances, hypothermia, tension pneumothorax, thrombosis, cardiac tamponade, and toxins to manage underlying causes effectively.
Hypovolemia Symptoms and Treatment
- Recognized by rapid heart rate and narrow QRS; treated with normal saline or lactated Ringer's bolus.
Hypoxia Symptoms and Treatment
- Indicated by slow heart rate and cyanosis; addressed with airway management and supplemental oxygen.
Acidosis and Its Management
- Identify by low amplitude QRS; manage with hyperventilation and sodium bicarbonate.
Hypoglycemia Recognition and Treatment
- Presenting as altered level of consciousness and arrhythmias; treated with dextrose.
Electrolyte Imbalances (Hypo/Hyperkalemia)
- Hypokalemia signs include flattened T waves; treat with magnesium. Hyperkalemia presents as peaked T waves and widened QRS; manage with calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and insulin.
Hypothermia Recognition and Management
- Symptoms include shivering and cold exposure; address with rewarming.
Tension Pneumothorax Detection and Treatment
- Marked by chest asymmetry and absent breath sounds; requires immediate needle decompression.
Thrombotic Events
- Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include rapid heart rate and narrow QRS; treatment involves fibrinolytics or embolectomy.
Cardiac Tamponade Management
- Characterized by blood accumulation in the pericardial sac; treated with pericardiocentesis.
Toxin Overdose Symptoms and Management
- Presenting with prolonged QT interval; treatment is based on the specific toxic agent involved.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the basics of BLS assessment. This quiz covers the critical steps in assessing responsiveness, breathing, and administering CPR effectively. Ideal for healthcare providers and those preparing for emergency situations.
