FREE ACLS Pulseless Question and Answers

Question 1

VF and Pulseless VT are shockable rhythms

Accepted Answer

TRUE

Answer

Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) and Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) are indeed shockable rhythms in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). These rhythms represent chaotic electrical activity in the heart that prevents effective pumping of blood, leading to cardiac arrest. Defibrillation, which delivers an electrical shock, is the definitive treatment to reset the heart's electrical activity and restore a perfusing rhythm.

Question 2

VF may be stopped by the initial shock, however if the arrhythmia returns later on during resuscitation:

Accepted Answer

Continue to deliver shocks with the same level of force that worked before.

Answer

If Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) recurs after an initial successful defibrillation, the ACLS guidelines recommend delivering further shocks. The appropriate action is to continue with shocks, typically at the same energy level that was previously effective, while also continuing CPR and administering medications as per the cardiac arrest algorithm. The goal is to promptly terminate the life-threatening arrhythmia.

Question 3

How much does the chance of survival from an observed VF sudden cardiac arrest drop for each minute that goes between collapse and defibrillation if no bystander CPR is given?

Accepted Answer

7% to 10%

Answer

For every minute that passes without defibrillation after an observed Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) sudden cardiac arrest, the chance of survival decreases significantly, typically by 7% to 10% if no bystander CPR is provided. This rapid decline underscores the critical importance of early defibrillation and immediate high-quality CPR to improve patient outcomes. Time is muscle and brain in cardiac arrest.

Question 4

Pulse checks ought to:

Accepted Answer

Be carried out only if there is an orderly rhythm during rhythm analysis.

Answer

In the context of cardiac arrest resuscitation, pulse checks should be brief and performed only when an organized rhythm is observed on the cardiac monitor. If the rhythm is chaotic (like VF/pulseless VT) or asystole, there is no need for a pulse check as it's assumed there's no effective circulation. Prolonged pulse checks interrupt crucial chest compressions, which are vital for maintaining blood flow.

Question 5

What is the first-line antiarrhythmic medication administered in cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

In the ACLS algorithm for shockable rhythms (VF/pulseless VT) that persist after defibrillation and epinephrine, Amiodarone is the first-line antiarrhythmic medication. It is administered to help stabilize the heart's electrical activity and prevent the recurrence of life-threatening arrhythmias. Lidocaine is an alternative if amiodarone is unavailable or contraindicated, but Amiodarone is preferred.

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FREE ACLS Pulseless Question and Answers