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Pulseless Flashcards

7 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 7 Pulseless flashcards as text

  1. A patient in pulseless VT fails to convert after the first defibrillation attempt and CPR is resumed. Which drug should be given next?

    Answer: Epinephrine 1 mg IV

    Epinephrine 1 mg IV is the first drug of choice in any pulseless arrest, given every 3–5 minutes.

  2. During CPR for a pulseless patient, you notice the waveform capnography reading is consistently below 10 mmHg after 20 minutes. What does this most likely indicate?

    Answer: Unlikely to achieve ROSC; consider stopping resuscitation

    PETCO2 persistently below 10 mmHg after 20 minutes of high-quality CPR suggests poor prognosis and may inform the decision to terminate resuscitation.

  3. What is the recommended energy for biphasic defibrillation of pulseless VT/VF when the manufacturer's recommendation is unknown?

    Answer: 150–200 J

    When biphasic manufacturer settings are unknown, 150–200 J is recommended for the initial shock.

  4. A patient develops PEA after a witnessed cardiac arrest. The rate on the monitor is 40 bpm. Which reversible cause should be highest on your differential?

    Answer: Tension pneumothorax

    A slow PEA rate (bradycardic PEA) raises strong suspicion for tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, or severe acidosis.

  5. After defibrillation, CPR is immediately resumed. What is the primary reason to avoid checking the pulse immediately after a shock?

    Answer: Pulse checks interrupt compressions and reduce coronary perfusion

    Immediate CPR after defibrillation maintains coronary and cerebral perfusion; even if ROSC occurred, compressions cause minimal harm.

  6. Amiodarone 300 mg IV has been given for refractory VF. If VF persists, what is the correct supplemental dose?

    Answer: 150 mg once

    A second dose of amiodarone 150 mg IV/IO can be given for persistent/recurrent VF/pVT after the initial 300 mg.

  7. A patient is found in asystole. After confirming the rhythm in two leads, which intervention should occur immediately?

    Answer: Resume high-quality CPR and establish vascular access

    Asystole is not shockable; high-quality CPR with IV/IO access and epinephrine is the cornerstone of management.