Mixed Deck — All CPR Topics Flashcards

According to AHA guidelines, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR?

Answer: 30:2

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

A 28-year-old is found in cardiac arrest with suspected opioid overdose. Bystanders are performing chest compressions. According to AHA guidelines, what is the correct priority of interventions for this patient?

Answer: Prioritize high-quality CPR with ventilations and use an AED; administer naloxone without interrupting these core resuscitation efforts.

For a patient in cardiac arrest from a suspected opioid overdose, the cornerstone of treatment is high-quality CPR and ventilation to manage the severe hypoxia. While naloxone administration is recommended for suspected opioid overdose, it should not delay or interrupt fundamental BLS and ALS interventions like CPR and defibrillation. The priority is to address the arrest with standard, proven therapies while considering naloxone as a concurrent but secondary action.

A neonate is born at 36 weeks gestation and is apneic after initial stimulation. What is the correct initial ventilation rate using a bag-mask device?

Answer: 40-60 breaths/min

Neonatal positive pressure ventilation should be delivered at 40-60 breaths per minute to achieve adequate chest rise.

Two paramedics are resuscitating a 5-year-old child in cardiac arrest. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio they should use?

Answer: 15:2

For two-rescuer CPR on a child, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 15:2. This is different from the 30:2 ratio used for single-rescuer child CPR and all adult CPR. The 15:2 ratio provides more frequent ventilations, which is critical in pediatric arrests as they are often respiratory in origin.

Which waveform capnography reading indicates esophageal intubation?

Answer: Flat line with no CO2 detected

Esophageal intubation produces a flat-line capnography reading with no CO2 detected after the first breath or two.

A patient with an implanted pacemaker goes into pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The paramedic should:

Answer: Defibrillate but place pads at least 8 cm away from the device

Defibrillation should not be withheld in pulseless VT; pads should be placed at least 8 cm from the pacemaker generator to avoid device damage while still delivering effective therapy.

During CPAP application, at what pressure setting should prehospital CPAP typically be initiated for acute pulmonary edema?

Answer: 5-10 cm H2O

Prehospital CPAP for acute pulmonary edema is typically initiated at 5-10 cm H2O, which provides enough positive pressure to recruit alveoli without causing barotrauma.

A patient is found in cardiac arrest with a narrow complex PEA rhythm. Which reversible cause should be treated FIRST in the field?

Answer: Tension pneumothorax

Tension pneumothorax is a common, immediately treatable cause of PEA that can be rapidly reversed with needle decompression in the field.

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.

A patient develops pulseless electrical activity after receiving a high spinal anesthetic. Which drug mechanism is MOST relevant?

Answer: Epinephrine alpha-1 effect restoring vascular resistance lost from sympathectomy

High spinal anesthesia causes complete sympathectomy; epinephrine's alpha-1 vasoconstriction is critical to restore systemic vascular resistance and coronary perfusion.

What is the purpose of the SAMPLE history mnemonic in patient assessment?

Answer: Gather systematic medical history (Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last oral intake, Events)

SAMPLE provides a systematic framework to collect essential medical history: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last oral intake, and Events leading to the emergency.

When performing a cricothyrotomy using the surgical method, between which structures is the incision made?

Answer: Thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage through the cricothyroid membrane

The surgical cricothyrotomy incision is made through the cricothyroid membrane, which lies between the thyroid cartilage superiorly and the cricoid cartilage inferiorly.

What is the first step in managing a fractured bone?

Answer: Immobilize the fracture site with a splint

The first and most crucial step in managing a suspected fractured bone is to immobilize the injury site. Applying a splint prevents movement of the broken bone fragments, which reduces pain, minimizes further tissue damage, and prevents potential complications like nerve or blood vessel injury. Proper immobilization is essential for safe transport and better healing outcomes.

When should role assignments ideally be made during a mass casualty resuscitation event with multiple patients?

Answer: Before patient contact, during the pre-arrival briefing

Pre-arrival role assignment prevents confusion and ensures the team operates efficiently from the moment of patient contact.

A paramedic is performing CPR on a 4-year-old child. To ensure high-quality compressions, what is the recommended compression depth?

Answer: At least one-third the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest

For children, high-quality chest compressions should have a depth of at least one-third the anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the chest, which is approximately 2 inches (5 cm). This ensures adequate circulation without causing injury.

During CPR, a paramedic suspects hypomagnesemia as the cause of refractory VF. What is the correct magnesium sulfate dose and route?

Answer: 1–2 g IV/IO push over 1–2 minutes

Magnesium sulfate 1–2 g IV/IO administered over 1–2 minutes (push) is the correct dose for hypomagnesemia-induced refractory VF during cardiac arrest.

A neonate born at 28 weeks gestation requires resuscitation. Compared to a term neonate, which modification is most appropriate?

Answer: Wrap the body in polyethylene plastic wrap to prevent heat loss

Premature neonates are at high risk for hypothermia; placing the body (not the head) in a polyethylene wrap immediately after birth is recommended.

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.

When managing a patient with suspected spinal cord injury, which method of airway management is PREFERRED to minimize cervical movement?

Answer: Jaw-thrust maneuver with in-line stabilization

The jaw-thrust maneuver with manual in-line cervical stabilization opens the airway while minimizing spinal movement in suspected C-spine injury.

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?

Answer: Confirm mechanical capture by palpating a pulse.

While electrical capture (a pacer spike followed by a QRS complex) is necessary, it does not guarantee the heart is actually contracting and producing a pulse. The paramedic must confirm mechanical capture by palpating a central pulse (like the femoral) or observing an improved blood pressure. This ensures the electrical stimulation is resulting in effective cardiac output.