9 Questions
What is the recommended initial defibrillation energy for ventricular fibrillation?
150-200J
What is the characteristic QRS complex duration in ventricular tachycardia?
>140ms
What is the first step in managing asystole?
Confirm asystole in multiple leads
Which of the following is a cause of pulseless electrical activity?
Hypothermia
What is the first step in the basic life support algorithm?
Call for help
What is the purpose of rhythm recognition in the advanced cardiovascular life support algorithm?
To identify the need for defibrillation
What is the recommended sequence of CPR in the basic life support algorithm?
30 chest compressions, 2 breaths
Which of the following is not a recommended medication for ventricular fibrillation?
Atropine
What is the goal of CPR in asystole management?
To achieve return of spontaneous circulation
Study Notes
Cardiac Arrest Rhythms
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
-
Treatment:
- Defibrillation: immediate shock delivery (biphasic 150-200J, monophasic 360J)
- CPR: continue for 2 minutes before re-analysis
- Medications: amiodarone or lidocaine (if VF persists after defibrillation)
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
-
Diagnosis:
- Wide QRS complex (>140ms)
- Regular rhythm
- P-waves not present or dissociated from QRS complex
- Monomorphic (uniform) QRS shape
Asystole
-
Management:
- Confirm asystole in multiple leads
- Check for reversible causes (e.g., hypoxia, electrolyte imbalance)
- CPR: continue until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or termination of resuscitation efforts
- Medications: none recommended
Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)
-
Causes:
- Hypovolemia
- Hypoxia
- Hydrogen ions (acidosis)
- Hypothermia
- Hypokalemia or hyperkalemia
- Tamponade (cardiac)
- Tension pneumothorax
- Toxic substances
- Cardiac rupture
Cardiac Arrest Algorithms
-
Basic Life Support (BLS):
- Call for help
- Check airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC)
- CPR: 30 chest compressions, 2 breaths
- Defibrillation (if indicated)
-
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS):
- Rhythm recognition and management
- Medication administration
- Cardioversion (if indicated)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
-
Interpretation:
- P-waves, QRS complex, T-waves
- Rate, rhythm, axis, and intervals
- Identification of cardiac arrest rhythms (VF, VT, asystole, PEA)
Test your knowledge of cardiac arrest rhythms, including ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, and pulseless electrical activity. Learn about treatment options and cardiac arrest algorithms.
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