ACLS Medical Training 5

Question 1

A patient has complete heart block with a heart rate of 30 bpm and is severely hypotensive. IV atropine fails to improve the rate. What is the next ACLS intervention?

Accepted Answer

Transcutaneous pacing

Answer

Transcutaneous pacing is the definitive bridge intervention for symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine.

Question 2

What does the 'T' for 'Toxins' in the H's and T's of cardiac arrest management prompt the ACLS provider to consider?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and reversing drug overdose or poisoning as a cause of arrest

Answer

Toxins as a reversible cause prompts providers to consider drug overdose or poisoning and administer specific antidotes if available.

Question 3

In the ACLS systematic approach, what does the term 'primary survey' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Airway, breathing, circulation, and defibrillation assessment (ABCDs)

Answer

The primary survey in ACLS focuses on ABCDs — Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Defibrillation — to identify and treat life threats rapidly.

Question 4

How often should epinephrine be administered during cardiac arrest according to current ACLS guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Every 3–5 minutes

Answer

Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO is administered every 3–5 minutes throughout a cardiac arrest resuscitation.

Question 5

A post-cardiac arrest patient is being prepared for targeted temperature management. Which complication should be closely monitored?

Accepted Answer

Coagulopathy and shivering

Answer

TTM can cause coagulopathy, shivering (which raises temperature and metabolic demand), bradycardia, and electrolyte shifts requiring monitoring.

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS Medical Training 5