ACLS Pharmacology & Medications Flashcards
6 cards from real ACLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ACLS Pharmacology & Medications flashcards as text
When administering adenosine to a patient receiving theophylline, which adjustment is necessary?
Answer: Increase the adenosine dose as theophylline antagonizes it
Theophylline blocks adenosine receptors, so higher doses of adenosine may be required to achieve the desired effect.
Which drug should be avoided in a patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome who presents with rapid AF?
Answer: AV nodal blocking agents (diltiazem, verapamil)
AV nodal blocking agents are contraindicated in WPW with AF because they can accelerate conduction through the accessory pathway, precipitating VF.
What is the primary mechanism of action of epinephrine that makes it useful during cardiac arrest?
Answer: Alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction raising coronary perfusion pressure
Epinephrine's alpha-adrenergic effect causes systemic vasoconstriction, which increases aortic diastolic pressure and coronary perfusion pressure during CPR.
Which calcium channel blocker is preferred for IV administration in stable supraventricular tachycardia per ACLS?
Answer: Verapamil
Verapamil 2.5–5 mg IV is the preferred calcium channel blocker for treating stable narrow-complex SVT in ACLS.
What is the recommended dose of dopamine used for hemodynamically significant bradycardia unresponsive to atropine?
Answer: 2–20 mcg/kg/min
Dopamine is infused at 2–20 mcg/kg/min as a chronotropic and vasopressor agent for bradycardia unresponsive to atropine.
Which medication is used for post-cardiac arrest care to prevent recurrent VF/VT after ROSC?
Answer: Amiodarone infusion
After ROSC, amiodarone infusion (1 mg/min for 6 hours, then 0.5 mg/min) is used to prevent recurrent ventricular arrhythmias.