ACLS Tachycardia and Bradycardia Algorithms 3

Question 1

A patient with wide-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm is stable. Adenosine is given and does not convert the rhythm. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

The rhythm is likely ventricular tachycardia

Answer

Failure to terminate with adenosine in a stable wide-complex tachycardia suggests the rhythm is ventricular tachycardia rather than SVT with aberrancy.

Question 2

Which rhythm does NOT require synchronized cardioversion?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation

Answer

Ventricular fibrillation is a disorganized rhythm with no discernible R wave, so it requires unsynchronized defibrillation, not synchronized cardioversion.

Question 3

A patient receiving transcutaneous pacing for symptomatic bradycardia shows electrical capture but remains bradycardic and hypotensive. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Check for mechanical capture by palpating a pulse

Answer

Electrical capture (pacing spikes with QRS complexes) must be confirmed to have mechanical capture by assessing the pulse and blood pressure.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes polymorphic VT (Torsades de Pointes) compared to monomorphic VT in ACLS management?

Accepted Answer

Torsades may require magnesium sulfate; amiodarone can worsen it

Answer

Torsades de Pointes is treated with magnesium sulfate 1–2 g IV, while amiodarone may prolong the QT further and worsen the arrhythmia.

Question 5

In the ACLS tachycardia algorithm, what heart rate threshold generally prompts evaluation for treatment?

Accepted Answer

Greater than 150 bpm

Answer

The ACLS tachycardia algorithm is typically initiated when heart rate exceeds 150 bpm, as rates below this rarely cause hemodynamic compromise.

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS Practice Test

ACLS Tachycardia and Bradycardia Algorithms 3