BCEN Cardiac Emergencies 4

Question 1

A patient is in pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Which of the following is a reversible cause represented by the 'H's and T's?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolemia

Answer

Hypovolemia is one of the 'H' reversible causes of PEA arrest (Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion, Hypo/Hyperkalemia, Hypothermia).

Question 2

A patient in asystole receives epinephrine 1 mg IV. What is the correct timing for the next epinephrine dose?

Accepted Answer

Every 3-5 minutes

Answer

Per ACLS guidelines, epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO should be repeated every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest.

Question 3

A patient with symptomatic bradycardia at 38 bpm is given atropine 0.5 mg IV with no improvement. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Begin transcutaneous pacing

Answer

If atropine is ineffective for symptomatic bradycardia, transcutaneous pacing (TCP) is the next intervention per ACLS guidelines.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the expected hemodynamic profile of cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

Elevated CVP, hypotension, muffled heart sounds

Answer

Beck's triad of cardiac tamponade consists of hypotension, elevated JVD/CVP, and muffled heart sounds due to pericardial fluid compression.

Question 5

Pulsus paradoxus greater than 10 mmHg is a hallmark finding in which cardiac emergency?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Pulsus paradoxus (>10 mmHg drop in systolic BP during inspiration) is a classic sign of cardiac tamponade due to pericardial compression of the heart.

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

BCEN Cardiac Emergencies 4