CPR - Certified Paramedic Response Electrical Therapy Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 68-year-old male is found to be in unstable atrial flutter.
His vital signs are BP 80/50 mmHg, HR 160, and he has an altered mental status.
Which of the following is the most appropriate initial energy setting for synchronized cardioversion using a biphasic defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

50-100 joules

Answer

120-200 joules

Answer

200 joules

Answer

360 joules

Question 2

You are performing transcutaneous pacing (TCP) on a patient with symptomatic bradycardia. After achieving electrical capture on the monitor, what is the most critical next step to ensure the therapy is effective?

Accepted Answer

Confirm mechanical capture by palpating a pulse.

Answer

Increase the pacing rate to 80 beats per minute.

Answer

Administer sedation for patient comfort.

Answer

Document the millamperage (mA) setting.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios correctly describes the primary difference between synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Defibrillation is an unsynchronized shock for pulseless, chaotic rhythms, while cardioversion is a synchronized shock for unstable tachycardias with a pulse.

Answer

Cardioversion is used for bradycardic rhythms, while defibrillation is for tachycardic rhythms.

Answer

Defibrillation delivers a shock timed with the R-wave, while cardioversion is unsynchronized.

Answer

Cardioversion is indicated for pulseless patients, while defibrillation is for patients with a pulse.

Question 4

A paramedic is treating a 4-year-old child weighing 18 kg who is in ventricular fibrillation. According to current AHA guidelines, what is the recommended initial energy dose for defibrillation?

Accepted Answer

36 joules (2 J/kg)

Answer

18 joules (1 J/kg)

Answer

72 joules (4 J/kg)

Answer

100 joules (adult dose)

Question 5

When preparing for electrical therapy, which of the following safety precautions is essential to prevent arcing and ensure effective energy delivery?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the patient's chest is clean and dry.

Answer

Placing pads directly over an implanted pacemaker to capture it.

Answer

Applying the pads over a transdermal medication patch.

Answer

Using a smaller pad size for better skin contact.

Question 6

A patient with a regular, wide-complex tachycardia and a blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg is being treated. The decision is made to perform synchronized cardioversion. What is the recommended initial energy level for this rhythm?

Accepted Answer

100 joules

Answer

25 joules

Answer

50 joules

Answer

200 joules