Mixed Deck — All ACLS Topics Flashcards

What role do key performance indicators play in strategic implementation?

Answer: They provide measurable benchmarks to track progress toward strategic objectives

KPIs serve as measurable benchmarks that enable organizations to track progress toward strategic objectives and make data-driven adjustments to implementation plans.

What is the first-line antiarrhythmic drug recommended for shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) in ACLS?

Answer: Amiodarone

Amiodarone is the first-line antiarrhythmic for shock-refractory VF, given as a 300 mg IV bolus.

What distinguishes quality assurance from quality control?

Answer: QA is proactive and process-focused; QC is reactive and product-focused

Quality assurance is a proactive approach focused on preventing defects through process improvement, while quality control is reactive, focused on identifying defects in products.

What should an effective professional report include?

Answer: Clear objectives, methodology, findings, analysis, and actionable recommendations

An effective professional report includes clearly stated objectives, transparent methodology, organized findings, thorough analysis, and specific actionable recommendations.

What is the recommended IV dose of amiodarone for stable wide-complex tachycardia (VT with pulse)?

Answer: 150 mg over 10 minutes

For stable wide-complex tachycardia, amiodarone is given as 150 mg IV over 10 minutes.

What does a risk matrix assess?

Answer: The probability and impact of identified risks

A risk matrix evaluates risks based on two dimensions: the probability (likelihood) of occurrence and the potential impact (severity) if the risk materializes.

Which vasopressor can be used as an alternative to epinephrine during cardiac arrest per ACLS guidelines?

Answer: Vasopressin

Vasopressin 40 units IV may replace the first or second dose of epinephrine during cardiac arrest.

In ACLS, pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is best described as:

Answer: An organized ECG rhythm without a palpable pulse

PEA is defined as organized electrical activity on the monitor with absent pulse, requiring CPR and investigation of reversible causes.

What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient?

Answer: Tongue falling back against the pharynx

Loss of muscle tone in unconscious patients causes the tongue to fall back against the posterior pharynx, creating an obstruction.

Why is continuous improvement important in quality management?

Answer: Because standards evolve, competitors improve, and customer expectations change

Continuous improvement is essential because the competitive landscape, customer expectations, and industry standards are constantly evolving, requiring ongoing adaptation.

What should be done when strategic implementation encounters unexpected obstacles?

Answer: Assess the situation, adjust the plan as needed, and communicate changes to stakeholders

When obstacles arise during implementation, the appropriate response is to assess the situation, make necessary adjustments to the plan, and communicate changes to all affected stakeholders.

During 2-person bag-mask ventilation, what is the role of the second rescuer?

Answer: Use both hands to maintain a proper mask seal while the first rescuer squeezes the bag

In 2-person BVM technique, one rescuer forms an E-C clamp seal with both hands while the other compresses the bag, significantly improving tidal volume delivery.

What is the significance of user training in technology implementation?

Answer: It maximizes the return on technology investment by ensuring effective utilization

User training is critical to technology implementation success because it ensures staff can effectively utilize the technology, maximizing the return on investment and minimizing errors.

An ETCO2 value below 10 mmHg during ongoing CPR most likely indicates which of the following?

Answer: Poor CPR quality or inadequate cardiac output

ETCO2 below 10 mmHg reflects poor pulmonary blood flow due to inadequate cardiac output, signaling suboptimal CPR quality.

What is active listening in a professional context?

Answer: Fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said

Active listening involves fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding the message, providing appropriate responses, and retaining the information communicated.

During CPR, a sudden and sustained rise in ETCO2 from 15 to 40 mmHg most likely indicates:

Answer: Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)

A sudden sustained rise in ETCO2 is a reliable indicator of ROSC, as restored cardiac output delivers significantly more CO2 to the lungs.

What is a key performance indicator (KPI) in quality management?

Answer: A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively objectives are being achieved

KPIs are quantifiable measurements that demonstrate how effectively an organization or process is achieving its key quality objectives.

Which approach best describes the integration of theory and practice in this profession?

Answer: Applying theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems while adapting to specific contexts

Effective professional practice involves applying theoretical foundations to real-world situations while adapting approaches to specific contexts and needs.

A narrow-complex tachycardia at 160 bpm begins and terminates abruptly. Which rhythm does this pattern best describe?

Answer: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)

PSVT (most commonly AVNRT) characteristically starts and stops abruptly, producing a regular narrow-complex tachycardia.

Which ECG pattern is associated with hyperkalemia and should prompt immediate intervention?

Answer: Peaked (tall, narrow) T waves, widened QRS, flattened P waves

Hyperkalemia produces peaked T waves early, then PR prolongation, P wave flattening, wide QRS, and ultimately a sine-wave pattern that can degenerate into VF.