ACLS Bradycardia 2

Question 1

A patient presents with a heart rate of 38 bpm, hypotension, and altered mental status. Which drug is the FIRST-LINE treatment for symptomatic bradycardia?

Accepted Answer

Atropine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Adenosine

Question 2

What is the maximum cumulative dose of atropine recommended in ACLS for bradycardia?

Accepted Answer

3 mg

Answer

1 mg

Answer

2 mg

Answer

4 mg

Question 3

A patient with symptomatic bradycardia fails to respond to atropine. Which of the following is the NEXT best step?

Accepted Answer

Begin transcutaneous pacing

Answer

Administer adenosine 6 mg IV

Answer

Give calcium chloride 1 g IV

Answer

Perform synchronized cardioversion

Question 4

Which rhythm is most likely to be UNRESPONSIVE to atropine therapy?

Accepted Answer

Third-degree AV block with wide QRS escape

Answer

Sinus bradycardia

Answer

Second-degree AV block Mobitz type I

Answer

Junctional bradycardia

Question 5

During transcutaneous pacing for bradycardia, what confirms electrical capture?

Accepted Answer

Widened QRS complexes after each pacing spike with a pulse

Answer

Patient reports chest discomfort

Answer

Pacing spikes visible on the monitor

Answer

Increased heart rate on the pulse oximeter waveform only

Question 6

An ACLS provider considers dopamine infusion for a bradycardic patient. What is the correct dose range for dopamine when used for rate support?

Accepted Answer

2–10 mcg/kg/min

Answer

1–2 mcg/kg/min

Answer

10–20 mcg/kg/min

Answer

20–50 mcg/kg/min

Question 7

A patient with bradycardia has no symptoms — normal blood pressure, no chest pain, no altered mentation. What is the appropriate ACLS action?

Accepted Answer

Observe and monitor; no immediate intervention required

Answer

Immediate transcutaneous pacing

Answer

Administer atropine 1 mg IV now

Answer

Perform synchronized cardioversion