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

Biphasic defibrillators deliver effective shocks at lower energies than monophasic devices; the first shock is typically 200J (or manufacturer-specified dose), with equivalent or higher energy for subsequent shocks.

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

The 30:2 ratio applies until an advanced airway (ETT or supraglottic) is placed; once secured, continuous compressions at 100-120/min are given with ventilation at 10 breaths/min asynchronously.

Question 3

Epinephrine dosing in ACLS cardiac arrest is:

Accepted Answer

1mg IV every 3-5 minutes

Answer

Epinephrine 1mg IV/IO is administered every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest; it increases coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure through peripheral vasoconstriction, improving the probability of 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

Amiodarone 300mg IV is given for VF/pVT that persists after 2-3 defibrillations; a second dose of 150mg can be administered for recurrent or refractory VF/VT.

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

TTM at 32-36°C for 24+ hours in comatose post-cardiac arrest survivors reduces neurological injury by decreasing cerebral metabolic demand, inflammation, and excitotoxicity following ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

DCAS Practice Test

DCAS Practice Test

DCAS Cardiac Emergencies (ACLS)