ACLS ACLS Pharmacology & Medications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vasopressor can be used as an alternative to epinephrine during cardiac arrest per ACLS guidelines?
- Norepinephrine
- Vasopressin (Correct answer)
- Phenylephrine
- Dopamine
Correct answer: Vasopressin
Vasopressin 40 units IV may replace the first or second dose of epinephrine during cardiac arrest.
Question 2: What is the recommended IV dose of amiodarone for stable wide-complex tachycardia (VT with pulse)?
- 150 mg over 10 minutes (Correct answer)
- 300 mg IV push
- 200 mg over 30 minutes
- 50 mg over 5 minutes
Correct answer: 150 mg over 10 minutes
For stable wide-complex tachycardia, amiodarone is given as 150 mg IV over 10 minutes.
Question 3: Sodium bicarbonate administration during cardiac arrest is most appropriate in which situation?
- All cardiac arrest patients after 5 minutes
- Hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest (Correct answer)
- Hypocalcemia
- Bradycardia refractory to atropine
Correct answer: Hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest
Sodium bicarbonate is indicated in cardiac arrest caused by hyperkalemia or tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
Question 4: What is the maximum dose of lidocaine that can be given as the initial bolus for pulseless VT/VF when amiodarone is unavailable?
- 0.5 mg/kg
- 1–1.5 mg/kg (Correct answer)
- 3 mg/kg
- 5 mg/kg
Correct answer: 1–1.5 mg/kg
Lidocaine 1–1.5 mg/kg IV is given as the initial bolus when amiodarone is not available.
Question 5: Which drug is preferred for rate control of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response in a hemodynamically stable patient?
- Adenosine
- Amiodarone
- Diltiazem or metoprolol (Correct answer)
- Atropine
Correct answer: Diltiazem or metoprolol
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) or calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem) are used for rate control in stable AF with RVR.
Question 6: Which of the following is a correct route for drug delivery if IV access cannot be established during cardiac arrest?
- Subcutaneous injection
- Intraosseous (IO) access (Correct answer)
- Sublingual tablets
- Intramuscular gluteal injection
Correct answer: Intraosseous (IO) access
Intraosseous (IO) access provides a rapid alternative route for drug delivery when IV access is unavailable during cardiac arrest.
ACLS ACLS Pharmacology & Medications 2
Which vasopressor can be used as an alternative to epinephrine during cardiac arrest per ACLS guidelines?