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.
Read the first 7 Cardiac Arrest Pharmacology flashcards as text
During post-resuscitation care, which vasopressor is recommended to maintain a systolic BP ≥90 mmHg after ROSC?
Answer: Norepinephrine or dopamine titrated to effect
Post-ROSC hypotension is treated with norepinephrine or dopamine titrated to maintain systolic BP ≥90 mmHg (or MAP ≥65 mmHg).
What is the maximum cumulative dose of lidocaine that can be administered during cardiac arrest management?
Answer: 3 mg/kg total
The maximum cumulative lidocaine dose in cardiac arrest is 3 mg/kg (initial 1–1.5 mg/kg plus repeat doses of 0.5–0.75 mg/kg every 5–10 min).
A patient remains in PEA after 2 rounds of epinephrine. Ultrasound shows pericardial effusion with tamponade. What pharmacologic intervention should be prioritized?
Answer: No additional drugs; perform pericardiocentesis
Cardiac tamponade causing PEA requires pericardiocentesis to relieve obstruction; pharmacologic intervention alone cannot overcome mechanical obstruction.
Which route of administration results in the FASTEST onset of epinephrine during cardiac arrest when IV access is unavailable?
Answer: Intraosseous (IO) route
IO access provides drug delivery speed comparable to central venous access and is preferred over ET administration due to unreliable ET absorption.
A patient with known LQTS arrests in torsades de pointes. Which drug is CONTRAINDICATED in this setting?
Answer: Amiodarone
Amiodarone prolongs the QT interval and is contraindicated in LQTS-related torsades de pointes, potentially worsening the arrhythmia.
What is the correct ET tube dose of epinephrine when IV/IO access is unavailable?
Answer: 2–2.5 mg diluted in 5–10 mL NS
When given via ET tube, epinephrine dose is 2–2.5 times the IV dose (2–2.5 mg) diluted in 5–10 mL of sterile water or NS.
Which drug combination is appropriate for a patient in cardiac arrest secondary to suspected opioid toxicity?
Answer: CPR, epinephrine per ACLS protocol, plus naloxone 0.4–2 mg IV/IO/IN
Standard ACLS (CPR + epinephrine) takes priority in opioid-related arrest, with naloxone 0.4–2 mg IV/IO/IN added to reverse respiratory depression if pulse is present.