ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS Emergency Pharmacology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 58-year-old male presents with symptomatic bradycardia with a heart rate of 38 bpm. Initial intervention with atropine has been ineffective. Which of the following medication infusions is an appropriate next step according to ACLS guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine 2-10 mcg/min

Answer

For symptomatic bradycardia that is unresponsive to atropine, the next line of treatment involves considering transcutaneous pacing or a vasopressor infusion. Epinephrine (2-10 mcg/min) or Dopamine (5-20 mcg/kg/min) are the recommended vasopressors to increase heart rate and blood pressure. Amiodarone and Lidocaine are antiarrhythmics used for tachyarrhythmias, and Adenosine is used for stable narrow-complex supraventricular tachycardia.

Question 2

A patient in cardiac arrest is in ventricular fibrillation (VF) and has been defibrillated three times. High-quality CPR is ongoing. Which of the following is the correct initial drug and dose to administer?

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone 300 mg IV/IO

Answer

In the ACLS algorithm for VF/pulseless VT, after the third shock, an antiarrhythmic should be considered. The initial dose of Amiodarone is 300 mg IV/IO push. Epinephrine should have been given after the second shock. Lidocaine is an alternative to amiodarone, but the initial dose is 1-1.5 mg/kg. Magnesium sulfate is primarily used for Torsades de Pointes.

Question 3

A 45-year-old patient presents with a regular, narrow-complex supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and is hemodynamically stable. Vagal maneuvers have failed. What is the recommended initial dose of Adenosine?

Accepted Answer

6 mg rapid IV push

Answer

For stable, regular, narrow-complex SVT that does not respond to vagal maneuvers, the initial recommended dose of Adenosine is 6 mg administered as a rapid IV push, followed by a saline flush. If the first dose is ineffective, a second dose of 12 mg may be given. A 3 mg dose is considered for specific situations like patients on certain medications or with a central line.

Question 4

During a cardiac arrest scenario with a non-shockable rhythm (Asystole/PEA), what is the correct timing and dosage for Epinephrine administration?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible, 1 mg every 3-5 minutes

Answer

For non-shockable rhythms like Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) and Asystole, the ACLS guidelines recommend administering Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO as soon as feasible or possible. Subsequent doses of 1 mg are given every 3-5 minutes for the duration of the arrest.

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct second dose of Amiodarone for a patient who remains in refractory ventricular fibrillation after an initial bolus and further defibrillation?

Accepted Answer

150 mg IV/IO

Answer

Following an initial 300 mg bolus of Amiodarone for refractory VF/pVT, if the arrhythmia persists, a second and final dose of 150 mg IV/IO can be administered.

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS Emergency Pharmacology Questions and Answers