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Cardiac Emergencies (ACLS) Flashcards

6 cards from real DCAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Adenosine is used to treat which arrhythmia?

    Answer: Stable narrow-complex supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with regular rhythm

    Adenosine transiently blocks the AV node, terminating re-entry SVTs; its extremely short half-life (10 seconds) makes it safe even if the diagnosis is uncertain — it will terminate AV-nodal-dependent arrhythmias or cause diagnostic slowing.

  2. Cardioversion for unstable tachyarrhythmia is performed 'synchronised' meaning:

    Answer: The shock is delivered on the R wave to avoid inducing VF

    Synchronised cardioversion delivers the shock on the QRS complex (R wave), avoiding delivery during the vulnerable T wave repolarisation period which could induce ventricular fibrillation.

  3. A patient presents with SVT at 200 bpm, BP 90/60, diaphoretic, and confused. The ACLS treatment is:

    Answer: Immediate synchronised cardioversion

    Haemodynamic instability (hypotension, altered consciousness, diaphoresis) requires immediate synchronised cardioversion rather than pharmacological attempts, which take time and may fail.

  4. Which waveform on capnography indicates return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during CPR?

    Answer: Sudden sustained increase in ETCO2 to >35-40 mmHg

    During CPR, ETCO2 reflects cardiac output; when ROSC occurs, the heart suddenly resumes pumping blood through the lungs, causing a sudden and sustained rise in ETCO2, providing a non-invasive indicator of ROSC.

  5. High-quality CPR requires that chest recoil between compressions is:

    Answer: Complete (full recoil between each compression) without leaning on the chest

    Complete chest recoil between compressions allows ventricular filling (diastolic filling) during CPR; leaning on the chest prevents recoil, reduces venous return, and significantly reduces coronary and cerebral perfusion.

  6. The first medication to administer in the ACLS algorithm for asystole is:

    Answer: Epinephrine 1mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes

    Asystole and PEA are both treated with CPR and epinephrine every 3-5 minutes; atropine is no longer recommended in ACLS for asystole as it has not been shown to improve outcomes.

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

  1. ambulance.gov.ae — Fees, eligibility · verified Oct 2026