Cardiac Arrest Flashcards

A patient is found unresponsive and not breathing normally. After activating EMS, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing adult CPR?

Answer: 30:2

The AHA recommends a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR.

During cardiac arrest, which heart rhythm is most commonly associated with sudden cardiac arrest in adults?

Answer: Ventricular fibrillation (VF)

Ventricular fibrillation is the most common initial rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest in adults and is shockable.

How soon after applying an AED should you analyze the rhythm if the device is ready?

Answer: Immediately upon attachment, pausing CPR only for analysis

Once the AED is attached, pause CPR only during rhythm analysis and shock delivery, then resume compressions immediately.

A rescuer is performing high-quality CPR on an adult. Which finding indicates compressions are adequate?

Answer: Chest recoils fully between compressions

Full chest recoil between compressions allows the heart to refill with blood, which is a key indicator of high-quality CPR.

When two rescuers are performing CPR on an adult with an advanced airway in place, what is the correct ventilation rate?

Answer: 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)

With an advanced airway, deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) asynchronously, without pausing compressions.

Which of the following is a non-shockable cardiac arrest rhythm?

Answer: Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)

PEA and asystole are non-shockable rhythms; treatment focuses on CPR and identifying reversible causes.

During a cardiac arrest resuscitation attempt, the team leader calls for a rhythm check. The monitor shows a regular narrow-complex rhythm but there is no pulse. What should be done next?

Answer: Resume CPR and search for reversible causes

A regular rhythm with no pulse is PEA — the correct response is to resume high-quality CPR and address the Hs and Ts.