ACLS Emergency Pharmacology 5

Question 1

Which antiarrhythmic is most appropriate for stable monomorphic VT with preserved LV function?

Accepted Answer

Procainamide 20–50 mg/min IV

Answer

Procainamide 20–50 mg/min IV (max 17 mg/kg) is a first-line agent for stable monomorphic VT with preserved ejection fraction.

Question 2

After ROSC, a patient is hypotensive with MAP 55 mmHg. Which vasopressor infusion is recommended first-line?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine 0.1–0.5 mcg/kg/min

Answer

Norepinephrine is a first-line vasopressor for post-cardiac arrest hypotension due to its potent alpha-1 vasoconstriction with mild beta-1 support.

Question 3

A patient has pulseless electrical activity (PEA) from suspected tension pneumothorax. What drug should be given while preparing needle decompression?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine 1 mg IV immediately

Answer

Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 minutes is given per ACLS protocol for PEA while reversible causes like tension pneumothorax are corrected.

Question 4

What is the correct endotracheal dose of epinephrine if IV/IO access cannot be established?

Accepted Answer

2–2.5 mg diluted in 5–10 mL NS

Answer

The endotracheal dose of epinephrine is 2–2.5 times the IV dose (2–2.5 mg) diluted in 5–10 mL of sterile water or NS.

Question 5

A patient with SVT receives adenosine 6 mg without effect. What is the appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Give adenosine 12 mg IV rapid push

Answer

If the initial 6 mg adenosine dose does not convert SVT, the second dose is 12 mg IV rapid push.

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS Emergency Pharmacology 5