ACLS Practice Questions ACLS PALS BLS
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A high priority once the patient has arrived at the hospital is:
The best answer is: obtain stat CT scan or MRI
Unnecessary arterial punctures should be avoided due to the possibility of creating a contraindication to the use of fibrinolytic therapy. The verbal symptoms assisting in reaching a diagnosis, but do not require urgent evaluation. Unless there are specific cardiac symptoms, angiography of coronary vessels is not part of the routine stoke evaluation. Early determination of the stroke’s etiology via CT or MRI scans allows timely implementation of the proper intervention. (fibrinolytic vs. surgical)
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Heart rates below 60 (bradycardia) are always a clinical danger.
The best answer is: false
Physically conditioned people often have heart rates less than 60 and it is a sign of health, not pathology. Whenever a stable patient has a heart rate that is different than the norm, look at the patient and their history. If the slow heart rate caused inadequate perfusion, speed up the heart rate.
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To enhance venous return during CPR on a pregnant patient:
The best answer is: the patient should be placed in a left lateral tilt (30 degrees) position
Current ECC Guidelines discuss the concern that a pregnant uterus may compress the inferior vena cava and reduce venous return, and hamper potential cardiac output. Placing the patient in this position during CPR is classified a IIa recommendation.
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Oxygen may be considered in most patients with ischemic chest pain.
The best answer is: true
While the most recent Guidelines downplay the routine administration of oxygen in the stable, non-hypoxemic cardiac patient, it is reasonable to consider low-flow oxygen as a strategy for potentially enhancing oxygen deliver to the myocardium. For signs of hypoxemia/hypoxia, oxygen is indicated.
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Defibrillator paddles should:
The best answer is: all of the above
Paddles should have conductive media on their surface covering the entire paddle surface or the silicone pads should be used. Never use alcohol patches.
Standard paddles (operator held) should be placed on the patient's chest using 15 pounds of pressure.
Paddles should not be in contact with each other. (e.g. fluid presence, etc.)
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Patients requiring continuous positive airway pressure therapy (mechanical ventilation and/or CPAP) should:
The best answer is: all of the above
Critically ill or unstable patients receiving ventilatory support should be transferred to an intensive care setting where the staff is trained and capable of managing this higher level patient. All patients receiving positive airway pressure are at risk for life-threatening events like the development of a tension pneumothorax. The staff needs to be able to rapidly diagnose and treat this problem to prevent a bad outcome for the patient.
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“Respiratory distress” is defined as:
The best answer is: increased work of breathing
The presence of cyanosis or apnea constitutes respiratory failure. The definition of respiratory distress is: an increased work of breathing.
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Epinephrine can be properly administered down the endotracheal tube during CPR if an IV is not available.
The best answer is: true
Epinephrine can be administered via the endotracheal tube and should be given using 0.1 ml of the 1:1,000 solution. It should be diluted 1:1 using sterile water.
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If IV access is unsuccessful, what is the recommended dose of epinephrine via the ET tube?
The best answer is: 0.1 ml/kg of the 1:1,000 solution
Current recommendations specify the use of 1:1,000 epinephrine, diluted 1:1 with sterile water for instillation down the endotracheal tube when IV access is not possible.
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Which of the following are commonly observed signs of shock in children?
- 1. pale or mottled skin color
- 2. skin: cold and moist
- 3. confusion or reduced level of consciousness
- 4. prolonged capillary refill
The best answer is: all of the above
All of the aforementioned signs and symptoms are related to perfusion failure (shock).
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How long should it take to deliver one rescue breath?
The best answer is: 1 second
1 second
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Sudden collapse in the adult is more likely a result of an arrhythmia that may require a defibrillator.
The best answer is: True
True
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Resuscitation is most successful if defibrillation is performed in the first
The best answer is: 5 minutes of collapse
5 minutes of collapse
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When rescue breaths are given without compressions to a victim with a pulse, how many breaths per minute should be given to an infant or child?
The best answer is: 12 to 20
12 to 20
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The American Heart Association recommends against using AEDs on infants.
The best answer is: AHA does not have a recommendation for or against the use of AEDs for infants (under 1 year of age)
AHA does not have a recommendation for or against the use of AEDs for infants (under 1 year of age)