DCAS Cardiac Emergencies (ACLS)

Question 1

The ACLS algorithm for ventricular fibrillation (VF) calls for defibrillation at which energy level with a biphasic defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

200 joules (manufacturer-specific) for the first shock, escalating if needed

Answer

100 joules for all shocks

Answer

360 joules for all shocks

Answer

50 joules initially, doubling with each shock

Question 2

In ACLS, CPR cycles consist of:

Accepted Answer

30 compressions to 2 ventilations (30:2) until an advanced airway is placed, then asynchronous

Answer

15:2 ratio throughout the resuscitation

Answer

15 compressions to 1 ventilation for all patients

Answer

Continuous compressions without ventilation for the first 10 minutes

Question 3

Epinephrine dosing in ACLS cardiac arrest is:

Accepted Answer

1mg IV every 3-5 minutes

Answer

2mg IV once only

Answer

0.5mg IV every 10 minutes

Answer

1mg IV every minute until ROSC

Question 4

Amiodarone is given in ACLS for shock-refractory VF/pVT at which dose?

Accepted Answer

300mg IV bolus first dose, followed by 150mg if needed

Answer

150mg IV as the only dose

Answer

600mg IV loading dose

Answer

1mg/kg IV bolus

Question 5

Post-ROSC targeted temperature management (TTM) aims to maintain core temperature at:

Accepted Answer

32-36°C for at least 24 hours in comatose survivors

Answer

37-38°C (normothermia only)

Answer

28-30°C (deep hypothermia)

Answer

40°C (therapeutic hyperthermia)

Question 6

In ACLS, pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is managed by:

Accepted Answer

CPR, epinephrine every 3-5 minutes, and treatment of reversible causes (Hs and Ts)

Answer

Immediate defibrillation

Answer

Atropine 1mg IV

Answer

Calcium gluconate IV as first-line