CPR Cardiac Arrest Pharmacology 2

Question 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?

Accepted Answer

40 units IV/IO

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

150 mg IV

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Hypomagnesemia-induced torsades de pointes

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Sodium bicarbonate

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1 vasoconstriction increasing coronary perfusion pressure

Answer

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

(CPR) Certified Paramedic Response Practice Test

(CPR) Certified Paramedic Response Practice Test

CPR Cardiac Arrest Pharmacology 2