CPR Electrical Therapy Principles 3

Question 1

Which of the following is a contraindication to transcutaneous pacing?

Accepted Answer

Hypothermic cardiac arrest with bradycardia

Answer

In hypothermic cardiac arrest, pacing is generally avoided because the cold heart is prone to VF and warming is the primary treatment.

Question 2

When applying defibrillator pads, the anterior-posterior electrode placement is preferred in which situation?

Accepted Answer

When the patient has a permanent pacemaker

Answer

Anterior-posterior pad placement avoids delivering energy directly through a permanent pacemaker's leads and generator.

Question 3

The recommended initial energy for biphasic defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation is:

Accepted Answer

120-200 joules

Answer

Current AHA guidelines recommend 120-200J for the initial biphasic shock in VF, following the manufacturer's specifications.

Question 4

During transcutaneous pacing, you observe pacing spikes on the monitor but no pulse. This is called:

Accepted Answer

Electrical capture without mechanical capture

Answer

Electrical capture without mechanical capture means the heart is receiving the electrical stimulus but not contracting effectively in response.

Question 5

Which antiarrhythmic drug is given concurrently with CPR and defibrillation for shock-refractory VF?

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Amiodarone 300mg IV/IO is the first-line antiarrhythmic for shock-refractory VF in the ACLS algorithm.

(CPR) Certified Paramedic Response Practice Test