ACLS Pulseless 3

Question 1

A 55-year-old patient is in PEA arrest. The team suspects massive pulmonary embolism. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Empirical systemic thrombolysis

Answer

If PE is the suspected cause of cardiac arrest, empirical systemic thrombolysis (e.g., tPA) should be strongly considered during CPR.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the correct hand placement for external chest compressions in an adult?

Accepted Answer

Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum

Answer

Compressions are placed at the center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum to maximize cardiac output.

Question 3

A pulseless patient has a known history of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and is now in a wide-complex tachyarrhythmia. What is the ACLS treatment?

Accepted Answer

Immediate unsynchronized defibrillation

Answer

Pulselessness requires immediate unsynchronized defibrillation regardless of the underlying rhythm or history.

Question 4

What is the maximum acceptable pause in chest compressions for rhythm check and defibrillation during a cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

10 seconds

Answer

ACLS guidelines recommend limiting all peri-shock pauses in CPR to less than 10 seconds.

Question 5

Lidocaine 1–1.5 mg/kg IV is an acceptable alternative to amiodarone for which pulseless rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation/pulseless VT

Answer

Lidocaine is an acceptable alternative antiarrhythmic to amiodarone for shock-refractory VF/pulseless VT.

ACLS Practice Test