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Cardiac Arrest Pharmacology Flashcards

7 cards from real CPR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the recommended dose of vasopressin that may be used as an alternative to the first or second dose of epinephrine in cardiac arrest?

    Answer: 40 units IV/IO

    Vasopressin 40 units IV/IO may replace the first or second dose of epinephrine in cardiac arrest per older AHA guidelines.

  2. A patient in refractory VF has received 3 shocks and 300 mg amiodarone. What is the correct supplemental dose of amiodarone?

    Answer: 150 mg IV

    After an initial 300 mg amiodarone dose, a single supplemental dose of 150 mg IV/IO may be given for refractory VF/pVT.

  3. Which electrolyte disturbance is a Class I indication for magnesium sulfate administration during cardiac arrest?

    Answer: Hypomagnesemia-induced torsades de pointes

    Magnesium sulfate 1–2 g IV is a Class I indication specifically for torsades de pointes (polymorphic VT) associated with hypomagnesemia.

  4. During a cardiac arrest secondary to tricyclic antidepressant overdose, which drug is the treatment of choice to reverse cardiotoxicity?

    Answer: Sodium bicarbonate

    Sodium bicarbonate alkalinizes the blood and reverses TCA-induced sodium channel blockade, narrowing the QRS and improving myocardial function.

  5. What is the primary mechanism by which epinephrine improves outcomes in cardiac arrest?

    Answer: Alpha-1 vasoconstriction increasing coronary perfusion pressure

    Epinephrine's alpha-1 adrenergic effect causes peripheral vasoconstriction, raising aortic diastolic pressure and thus coronary perfusion pressure during CPR.

  6. A patient arrests after administration of succinylcholine and develops peaked T-waves on the monitor. Which drug should be given first?

    Answer: Calcium chloride

    Calcium chloride (or gluconate) immediately stabilizes the myocardial membrane and is the first intervention for hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest.

  7. Lidocaine is considered an acceptable alternative to amiodarone in which arrest rhythm?

    Answer: Refractory ventricular fibrillation

    Lidocaine 1–1.5 mg/kg IV/IO is an acceptable alternative antiarrhythmic for shock-refractory VF/pVT when amiodarone is unavailable.