Special Resuscitation Circumstances 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 Special Resuscitation Circumstances flashcards as text
A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation is in cardiac arrest. What is the recommended uterine displacement technique during CPR?
Answer: Place a wedge under the left hip to tilt 15-30 degrees left
Left lateral uterine displacement of 15-30 degrees relieves aortocaval compression while maintaining effective CPR compressions.
Which dysrhythmia is most commonly associated with hypothermic cardiac arrest at core temperatures below 30°C (86°F)?
Answer: Ventricular fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation is the most common dysrhythmia in severe hypothermia and is the primary shockable rhythm encountered.
A patient is rescued from a house fire and is in cardiac arrest with suspected cyanide toxicity. After standard ACLS, what antidote should be administered?
Answer: Hydroxocobalamin 5g IV
Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit) 5g IV is the preferred cyanide antidote in smoke inhalation victims as it does not cause methemoglobinemia.
During resuscitation of a patient with tension pneumothorax, which finding confirms successful needle decompression?
Answer: Rush of air upon needle insertion and return of pulses
A rush of air confirming pressure release followed by return of spontaneous circulation indicates successful decompression of a tension pneumothorax.
In pediatric drowning resuscitation, which modification to standard CPR protocol is recommended?
Answer: Begin with 5 rescue breaths before starting chest compressions
Drowning victims suffer hypoxic cardiac arrest, so the pediatric drowning protocol prioritizes 5 initial rescue breaths before compressions.
A patient with known hyperkalemia is in cardiac arrest with a wide-complex rhythm. Which medication should be given first?
Answer: Calcium chloride 1g IV
Calcium chloride immediately stabilizes the cardiac membrane potential and is the fastest-acting treatment for hyperkalemic cardiac toxicity.
What is the maximum recommended number of defibrillation attempts before initiating active rewarming in a hypothermic cardiac arrest patient with a core temperature below 30°C?
Answer: 3 shocks
Current guidelines recommend up to 3 defibrillation attempts in severe hypothermia, then withholding further shocks until core temperature rises above 30°C.