BLS and High-Quality CPR 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 BLS and High-Quality CPR flashcards as text
During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader observes the compressor is delivering chest compressions at a rate of 90 per minute. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Instruct the compressor to increase the rate to 100-120 per minute.
The American Heart Association guidelines for high-quality CPR state that the chest compression rate should be between 100 and 120 per minute. A rate of 90 is too slow and will not provide adequate circulation. The team leader should provide immediate, constructive feedback to correct the rate.
A 55-year-old male collapses and is unresponsive. You are the first responder on the scene. After ensuring the scene is safe and checking for responsiveness and breathing, you activate the emergency response system. What is the next critical step in the BLS sequence?
Answer: Begin high-quality chest compressions.
For an unresponsive adult victim not breathing or only gasping, the immediate priority after activating the emergency response system is to start high-quality chest compressions. The sequence C-A-B (Compressions, Airway, Breathing) is emphasized to minimize delays in blood circulation.
Which of the following is a key component of high-quality CPR that directly impacts coronary perfusion pressure?
Answer: Achieving a chest compression fraction of at least 80%.
Chest compression fraction is the proportion of time that chest compressions are being performed during a cardiac arrest. Minimizing interruptions and maximizing this fraction (to at least 80%) is crucial for maintaining adequate coronary perfusion pressure and increasing the chances of ROSC.
During a two-rescuer CPR scenario on an adult patient with an advanced airway in place, what is the correct procedure for providing ventilations?
Answer: Deliver one breath every 6 seconds without pausing compressions.
Once an advanced airway (like an endotracheal tube or supraglottic airway) is in place, compressions and ventilations are performed asynchronously. The correct ventilation rate is one breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) while continuous chest compressions are performed.
You are part of a resuscitation team. To ensure high-quality CPR is being delivered, which metric is most accurately monitored using quantitative waveform capnography?
Answer: Effectiveness of chest compressions and potential ROSC.
Quantitative waveform capnography measures end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2). During CPR, ETCO2 values can indicate the quality of chest compressions (a value <10 mmHg suggests compressions may be inadequate). A sudden, sustained increase in ETCO2 is a strong indicator of Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC).
To minimize interruptions in chest compressions during an ACLS response, when is the ideal time to pre-charge the defibrillator?
Answer: While the compressor is completing their final cycle before a planned rhythm analysis.
To ensure the shortest possible pause between stopping compressions and delivering a shock, the defibrillator should be charged before the upcoming pulse and rhythm check. This allows for immediate defibrillation if a shockable rhythm is identified, thus reducing the 'hands-off' time and improving CPR quality.