ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Tachycardia and Bradycardia Algorithms Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 58-year-old male presents with dizziness and shortness of breath.
His heart rate is 40 bpm, blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg, and he appears pale and diaphoretic.
The monitor shows a third-degree AV block.
According to the ACLS Bradycardia Algorithm, which intervention should be prioritized after initial stabilization (airway, oxygen)?

Accepted Answer

Preparing for immediate transcutaneous pacing.

Answer

Administering a 1 mg IV bolus of atropine.

Answer

Requesting immediate expert consultation for transvenous pacing.

Answer

Administering a dopamine infusion at 2 mcg/kg/min.

Question 2

A patient with a regular, narrow-complex tachycardia at a rate of 180 bpm is stable but symptomatic. Vagal maneuvers have been ineffective. What is the correct initial drug and dose according to the ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Adenosine 6 mg rapid IV push.

Answer

Amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 minutes.

Answer

Verapamil 2.5 mg IV bolus over 2 minutes.

Answer

Metoprolol 5 mg slow IV push.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary indication for immediate synchronized cardioversion in the Tachycardia Algorithm?

Accepted Answer

An unstable patient with persistent tachyarrhythmia causing hypotension.

Answer

A stable patient with wide-complex tachycardia.

Answer

An anxious patient with sinus tachycardia at 110 bpm.

Answer

A patient with atrial fibrillation whose heart rate responds to diltiazem.

Question 4

According to the most recent ACLS guidelines for adult symptomatic bradycardia, what is the correct first dose of atropine?

Accepted Answer

1 mg IV, repeat every 3-5 minutes.

Answer

0.5 mg IV, repeat every 3-5 minutes.

Answer

1.5 mg IV, one time only.

Answer

0.25 mg IV, repeat every 5-10 minutes.

Question 5

A 66-year-old female is in the emergency department with palpitations. The monitor shows a regular, wide-complex tachycardia (QRS > 0.12 sec) at a rate of 160 bpm. Her blood pressure is 118/76 mmHg and she is alert and oriented. Which of the following interventions can be considered for this stable patient?

Accepted Answer

Administration of adenosine.

Answer

Immediate unsynchronized shock at 200 joules.

Answer

Initiation of transcutaneous pacing.

Answer

Administration of atropine 1 mg IV.

Question 6

If atropine is ineffective in treating a patient with symptomatic bradycardia and poor perfusion, which of the following are the appropriate next-line treatment options according to the ACLS algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Transcutaneous pacing or an infusion of dopamine or epinephrine.

Answer

Administer a fluid bolus and reassess.

Answer

Wait 10 minutes and administer another dose of atropine.

Answer

Immediate synchronized cardioversion.