CRAT Life-Threatening Arrhythmias 2

Question 1

Ventricular fibrillation on an ECG is best described by which appearance?

Accepted Answer

Chaotic, irregular waveforms with no discernible QRS complexes

Answer

Regular wide complex tachycardia at 150-250 bpm

Answer

Fine regular oscillations at 300 bpm

Answer

Absent all electrical activity

Question 2

The immediate treatment for pulseless ventricular tachycardia is which intervention?

Accepted Answer

Unsynchronized defibrillation (cardioversion)

Answer

Synchronized cardioversion

Answer

IV adenosine

Answer

IV amiodarone bolus only

Question 3

Torsades de pointes is a form of polymorphic VT most closely associated with which ECG finding before its onset?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged QT interval

Answer

Shortened PR interval

Answer

Widened QRS complex

Answer

ST elevation

Question 4

Asystole on the cardiac monitor is confirmed by which finding?

Accepted Answer

Flat line in at least two leads with confirmed electrode placement

Answer

Flat line in only one lead

Answer

Heart rate of zero with normal waveforms

Answer

Absent P waves only

Question 5

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is defined by which combination of findings?

Accepted Answer

Organized ECG rhythm with no detectable pulse

Answer

No ECG activity and no pulse

Answer

Regular ECG rhythm with a strong palpable pulse

Answer

Ventricular fibrillation without a pulse

Question 6

Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia with a pulse is initially managed with which approach?

Accepted Answer

Synchronized cardioversion if unstable, or IV antiarrhythmics (amiodarone or procainamide) if stable

Answer

Immediate unsynchronized defibrillation regardless of hemodynamics

Answer

IV adenosine as first-line agent

Answer

Observation only