ACLS Electrical Therapies and Defibrillation

Question 1

What is the recommended initial energy dose for defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) using a biphasic defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

120–200 J

Answer

ACLS guidelines recommend 120–200 J for initial biphasic defibrillation, with the specific dose depending on the manufacturer's recommendation.

Question 2

Which of the following rhythms requires synchronized cardioversion rather than unsynchronized defibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Unstable atrial fibrillation with a pulse

Answer

Synchronized cardioversion is used for organized rhythms with a pulse (e.g., unstable AF, SVT, stable VT), while unsynchronized defibrillation is reserved for pulseless rhythms and VF.

Question 3

What is the recommended initial energy for synchronized cardioversion of unstable atrial fibrillation using a biphasic device?

Accepted Answer

120–200 J

Answer

For unstable atrial fibrillation, ACLS recommends an initial biphasic energy of 120–200 J for synchronized cardioversion.

Question 4

Where should defibrillator pads be placed in the standard anterolateral position?

Accepted Answer

Right subclavicular and left lower rib cage lateral to the left nipple

Answer

Standard anterolateral placement is right infraclavicular (below right clavicle) and left lateral chest (V4-V6 level, lateral to left nipple).

Question 5

When using a monophasic defibrillator for VF, what energy level should be used for all shocks?

Accepted Answer

360 J

Answer

Monophasic defibrillators deliver 360 J for all shocks during VF/pVT because they are less efficient than biphasic devices and require higher energy.

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS Electrical Therapies and Defibrillation