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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. You are resuscitating a patient in VF. The team has delivered 3 shocks and 2 doses of epinephrine. Which antiarrhythmic should be considered next?

    Answer: Amiodarone 300 mg IV

    Amiodarone 300 mg IV is the first antiarrhythmic recommended after epinephrine for shock-refractory VF/pulseless VT.

  2. Which of the following is a 'T' in the Hs and Ts of reversible causes of cardiac arrest?

    Answer: Tension pneumothorax

    The 5 Ts are Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins, Thrombosis (pulmonary and coronary), and Trauma.

  3. A patient in cardiac arrest is suspected to have hyperkalemia as the cause. Which drug is most appropriate to stabilize the myocardium?

    Answer: Calcium chloride 500–1000 mg IV

    Calcium chloride (or calcium gluconate) directly antagonizes the cardiac membrane effects of hyperkalemia and is the first-line treatment.

  4. What chest compression depth is recommended for adults during CPR?

    Answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm), not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)

    Adult CPR guidelines recommend a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).

  5. A patient is resuscitated and ROSC is achieved. The 12-lead ECG shows ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the next priority?

    Answer: Emergent coronary angiography/PCI

    STEMI identified post-ROSC warrants emergent coronary angiography and PCI regardless of the patient's neurological status.

  6. Which statement about atropine use in cardiac arrest is correct per current ACLS guidelines?

    Answer: Atropine is no longer recommended for asystole or PEA

    Current ACLS guidelines removed atropine from the cardiac arrest algorithm; it is no longer recommended for asystole or PEA.

  7. In a patient with pulseless VT, a synchronized shock is attempted but the defibrillator cannot synchronize. What should you do?

    Answer: Deliver an unsynchronized shock immediately

    If the defibrillator cannot synchronize on a VT waveform and the patient is pulseless, deliver an unsynchronized (defibrillation) shock immediately.