EMT: BLS Resuscitation Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the abdominal-thrust maneuver also called?

Heimlich maneuver (correct)

CPR

ALS

BLS

What does active compression-decompression CPR involve?

Compressing the chest and then actively pulling it back to its neutral position or beyond.

What are advanced life support (ALS) procedures used for?

Treating medical conditions such as cardiac monitoring and administering intravenous fluids.

What is basic life support (BLS)?

Noninvasive emergency lifesaving care. Signup and view all the answers

What does CPR stand for?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is chest compression fraction?

The total percentage of time during resuscitation that active chest compressions are performed. Signup and view all the answers

What is dependent lividity?

Blood settling to the lowest point of the body, causing discoloration of the skin. Signup and view all the answers

What is gastric distension?

A condition where air fills the stomach due to high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the head tilt-chin lift maneuver used for?

Opening the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin. Signup and view all the answers

What signifies hyperventilation?

Rapid or deep breathing that lowers blood carbon dioxide level. Signup and view all the answers

What is the jaw-thrust maneuver?

Technique to open the airway by bringing the jaw forward. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recovery position?

A side-lying position used to maintain a clear airway. Signup and view all the answers

What does ROSC stand for?

Return of spontaneous circulation. Signup and view all the answers

What is rigor mortis?

Stiffening of the body muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What is stridor?

A harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound caused by upper airway blockage. Signup and view all the answers

What is ventilation?

Exchange of air between the lungs and the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal pulse rate for an adult?

60-100 beats per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal pulse rate for a newborn?

90-180 beats per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal respiratory rate for a child aged 1-5 years?

20-30 breaths per minute Signup and view all the answers

What flow rate does a nasal cannula typically provide?

1-6 L/min Signup and view all the answers

What is considered tachycardia?

An abnormally rapid heartbeat over 100 beats per minute. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered bradycardia?

An abnormally slow heartbeat below 60 beats per minute. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the radial pulse felt?

At the wrist. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the brachial pulse felt?

In the upper arm. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the carotid pulse felt?

In the neck. Signup and view all the answers

What does respiration refer to?

Inhalation and exhalation of air. Signup and view all the answers

What does respiratory quality assess?

The normal or abnormal character of breathing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the systolic blood pressure?

The pressure created when the heart contracts and forces blood into the arteries. Signup and view all the answers

What is diastolic blood pressure?

The pressure remaining in arteries when the heart is relaxed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a sphygmomanometer?

A blood pressure cuff. Signup and view all the answers

According to the 2020 AHA Guidelines, what is the preferred ventilatory rate for an adult arrest patient with an advanced airway?

1 breath every 5 to 6 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What finding suggests chest compressions should be continued in a newborn?

The baby has a pulse less than 60. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to confirm pulselessness before applying an AED?

AEDs are unable to determine pulselessness. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after successfully resuscitating an adult who is not breathing?

Begin using a BVM at 10 breaths per minute targeting SaO2 of 92-98%. Signup and view all the answers

What is the next step after turning on an AED and attaching electrodes?

Continue compressions. Signup and view all the answers

What is key to successful defibrillation after an underwater event?

Apply it as soon as possible. Signup and view all the answers

What historical information is crucial to pass on for a confused patient?

He takes coumadin. Signup and view all the answers

What should EMS providers obtain during initial training?

The opportunity to practice with an AED. Signup and view all the answers

What should rescuers do if paramedics are delayed during a prolonged resuscitation?

Immediately prepare for transport and contact medical control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most valuable reason for having paramedics assist with a cardiac call?

ALS may be able to provide some procedures to prevent cardiac arrest. Signup and view all the answers

What spinal precautions should be taken for a patient with a suspected spinal injury?

Manual spinal motion restriction. Signup and view all the answers

How can compressions be improved while CPR is performed on a pregnant patient?

Have someone manually displaced the fundus to the left. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct compression rate for a newborn who is apneic and pulseless?

120 per minute. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after removing a potential adult drowning victim from water?

Begin CPR at a 30:2 ratio and dry the chest. Signup and view all the answers

What steps should be modified if alone treating an unresponsive and apneic adult?

Summon an AED and activate EMS. Signup and view all the answers

What should be administered FIRST to an unresponsive neonate with a clear airway?

Flick the soles of both of the infant's feet. Signup and view all the answers

What is an unnecessary distraction with an AED?

A screen. Signup and view all the answers

Why is maintenance of an AED so important?

An AED that does not have a functional battery saves no one. Signup and view all the answers

How can agencies minimize challenges with AED battery failure?

Inspect the defibrillator at the start of each shift. Signup and view all the answers

Why do self-adhesive pads improve AED defibrillation performance?

Reducing electrical arc risks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most valuable reason for completing an AED checklist at the beginning of a shift?

To inventory parts and inspect equipment. Signup and view all the answers

Why should medical direction review cardiac arrest calls involving an AED?

To do a trend analysis on AED use within the system. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

BLS Resuscitation Terms and Definitions

Abdominal-thrust maneuver: Dislodges severe airway obstruction in adults and children; commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver.
Active compression-decompression CPR: Involves compressing the chest and actively pulling it back to its neutral position.
Advanced life support (ALS): Involves advanced lifesaving procedures; includes cardiac monitoring and administration of intravenous fluids and medications.
Basic life support (BLS): Noninvasive emergency care for airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): Combines chest compressions and rescue breathing to establish ventilation and circulation in patients without pulse and breathing.

Key Processes in Resuscitation

Chest compression fraction: Percentage of time during a resuscitation that active chest compressions are performed.
Dependent lividity: Blood pooling in the lowest parts of the body, indicating death.
Gastric distension: Air filling the stomach due to high volume and pressure during ventilation.
Head tilt-chin lift maneuver: Opens the airway by tilting the forehead and lifting the chin; not recommended for trauma patients.
Jaw-thrust maneuver: Opens the airway by moving the jaw forward; used for potential cervical spine injury.

Airway Management

Recovery position: Side-lying position for unresponsive patients, ensuring a clear airway.
Return or spontaneous circulation (ROSC): Resumption of pulse and effective blood flow in previously cardiac arrest patients.
Rigormortis: Muscle stiffening post-death; a definitive sign.
Stridor: High-pitched sound during inspiration indicating upper airway obstruction.

Vital Signs and Normal Ranges

Adult normal pulse: 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Adult normal respirations: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Newborn normal pulse: 90-180 beats per minute.
Newborn normal respirations: 30 to 60 breaths per minute.
Infant normal pulse: 100-160 beats per minute.
Infant normal respirations: 25 to 50 breaths per minute.
Toddler normal pulse: 90-150 beats per minute.
Toddler normal respirations: 20 to 30 breaths per minute.

Oxygen Delivery Methods

Nasal cannula flow rate: 1-6 liters/minute; delivers 24-44% oxygen.
Non-rebreathing mask: 10-15 liters/minute; provides nearly 95% oxygen.
Bag-valve-mask (BVM): 15 liters/minute; supplies nearly 100% oxygen.

Cardiac Rhythm Insights

Tachycardia: Rapid heartbeat exceeding 100 beats per minute.
Bradycardia: Slow heartbeat below 60 beats per minute.

Pulse Locations

Radial pulse: Felt at the wrist.
Brachial pulse: Located in the upper arm (for children).
Carotid pulse: Palpated in the neck.

Respiratory Mechanics

Respiration: Process of inhalation and exhalation.
Respiratory quality: Assessment of breathing character (e.g., shallow, labored).
Respiratory rhythm: Regularity or irregularity of breaths.

Blood Pressure Understanding

Systolic blood pressure: Pressure during heart contraction.
Diastolic blood pressure: Pressure when the heart is relaxed.

CPR and AED Procedures

Preferred ventilatory rate for advanced airway in adult: 1 breath every 5 to 6 seconds.
Chest compressions for newborns: Continue if pulse is below 60.
AED usage before application: Confirm patient is pulseless and apneic; AEDs cannot detect pulselessness.
Post-resuscitation for unresponsive adult: Initiate BVM at 10 breaths per minute, targeting SaO2 of 92-98%.

Rescuer Protocol and Techniques

Spinal injury precautions: Initiate manual spinal motion restriction for suspected spine injuries.
Effective compressions during pregnancy: Manually displace the fundus to the left.
Compression rate for newborn: 120 per minute.

Patient Assessment and Communication

Key information to share during transport: Patients taking coumadin (blood thinner) require special attention.
AED inspection and maintenance: Regularly check batteries and equipment to ensure functionality.

Quality Improvement and Analysis

AED checklist at shift start: Conducting an inventory and inspection of equipment is essential.
Quality improvement reviews: Essential for trend analysis on AED use to enhance response strategies.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Basic Life Support (BLS) concepts with these flashcards. Each card covers essential terms and definitions, including techniques like the Heimlich maneuver and advanced life support procedures. Perfect for EMT students and healthcare professionals looking to reinforce their skills.