13. BLS Resuscitation

Question 1

The preferred method to dislodge a severe airway obstruction in adults and children; also called the Heimlich maneuver.

Answer 1

abdominal-thrust maneuver

Question 2

A technique that involves compressing the chest and then actively compressing the chest and then actively pulling it back up to its neutral position or beyond (decompression); may increase the amount of blood that returns to the heart and, thus, the amount of blood ejected from the heart during the compression phase.

Answer 2

active compression-decompression CPR

Question 3

Advanced lifesaving procedures used to treat medical conditions, such as cardiac monitoring, administration of intravenous fluids and medications, and the use of advanced airway adjuncts. EMTs may be trained in some of these areas.

Answer 3

advanced life support (ALS)

Question 4

Noninvasive emergency lifesaving care that is used to treat medical conditions, including airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.

Answer 4

basic life support (BLS)

Question 5

The combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing used to establish adequate ventilation and circulation in a patient who is not breathing and has no pulse.

Answer 5

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Question 6

The total percentage of time during a resuscitation attempt in which active chest compressions are bing performed.

Answer 6

chest compression fraction

Question 7

Blood settling to the lowest point in the body, causing a discoloration of the skin; a definitive sign of death

Answer 7

dependent lividity

Question 8

A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation

Answer 8

gastric distension

Question 9

A combination of two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; not used for trauma patients.

Answer 9

head tilt-chin lift maneuver

Question 10

Rapid or deep breathing that lowers the blood carbon dioxide level below normal; may lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, decreased venous return, and hypotension when associated with BVM use.

Answer 10

hyperventilation

Question 11

A valve device placed between the endotracheal tube and a bag-valve mask that limits the amount of air entering the lungs during the recoil phase between chest compressions

Answer 11

impedance threshold device (ITD)

Question 12

A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow; potentially reversible because permanent injury has not yet occurred

Answer 12

ischemia

Question 13

Technique to open the airway by placing the fingers behind the angle of the jaw and bringing the jaw forward; used for patients suspected of a spinal injury

Answer 13

jaw-thrust maneuver

Question 14

A circumferential chest compression device composed of a constricting band and backboard that is either electrically or pneumatically driven to compress the heart by putting inward pressure on the thorax

Answer 14

load-distributing band (LDB)

Question 15

A device that depresses the sternum via a compressed gas-powered plunger mounted on a backboard

Answer 15

mechanical piston device

Question 16

A side lying position used to maintain a clear airway in unresponsive patients who are breathing adequately and do not have suspected injuries to the spine, hips, or pelvis

Answer 16

recovery position

Question 17

The return of a pulse and effective blood flow to the body in a patient who previously was in cardiac arrest

Answer 17

return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)

Question 18

stiffening of the body muscles; a definitive sign of death

Answer 18

rigor mortis

Question 19

A harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound, generally heard during inspiration, that is caused by partial blockage or narrowing of the upper airway; may be audible without a stethoscope

Answer 19

stridor

Question 20

exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, spontaneously by the patient or with assistance from another person, such as an EMT.

Answer 20

ventilation