ACLS In Practice

Question 0

What does ROSC stand for ?

Answer 0

Return of spontaneous circulation

Question 1

What are the 5 links in adult chain of survival?

Answer 1

1. Recognition and activation of ERS
2. Early CPR/chest compressions
3. Defibrillation
4. Effective ACLS
5. Integrated post cardiac care

Question 2

What is BLS?

Answer 2

Basic life support

Involves CPR and airway management

Question 3

What is ACLS?

Answer 3

Advanced cardiac life support

Includes possible intubation, IV access, medications

Question 4

What does Initial CABD stand for?

Answer 4

Circulation-chest compressions
Airway-open airway
Breathing-ventilate patient
Defibrillation (for VF-ventricular fibrillation and VT-pulseless ventricular tachycardia)

Question 5

How many chest compressions for BLS?

Answer 5

Compress at least 100/minute

Question 6

How far should you compress the chest during compressions?

Answer 6

At least 2”

Question 7

What is the ratio for chest compressions and breaths whether single or multiple responders?

Answer 7

30 compressions/2 breaths

Question 8

What method do you use to open airway if no neck injury is suspected?

Answer 8

Basic CPR head-tilt, chin lift

Question 9

What method do you use to open airway if suspected neck injury?

Answer 9

Jaw-thrust maneuver

Question 10

What is the most important step in CABD of suspected VF?

Answer 10

Defibrillation in less than 10 minutes of collapse

Question 11

What are the steps in using an AED?

Answer 11

Power on AED
Attach pads to patient
Analysis to detect shockable rhythm
Shock patient

Question 12

What is the Progressive CABD steps?

Answer 12

Circulation-gain IV access, determine heart rhythm, give appropriate medication for that rhythm
Airway-insert advanced airway
Breathing- assess bilateral chest movement and ventilation
Differential diagnosis

Question 13

What is cardioversion?

Answer 13

Restoring natural heart rhythm with shock

Question 14

How do you assess bilateral chest movement?

Answer 14

Auscultation of five point technique
Left and right anterior chest
Left and right midaxillary points
Over stomach

Question 15

How do you confirm endotracheal tube (ET) placement?

Answer 15

Waveform capnography or exhaled esophageal detector device. Chest C-Ray and arterial blood gas level evaluate adequate ventilation

Question 16

What is hypoxia?

Answer 16

Decreased O2 in blood

Question 17

What is acidosis?

Answer 17

Too much acid in blood (CO2)

Question 18

What is hypervolemia?

Answer 18

Too much fluid volume in blood
Too much Na
Caused by CHF, kidney failure, liver failure

Question 19

What is hyperkalemia?

Answer 19

Too much potassium (K) in blood

Caused by kidney failure, Addison’s disease

Question 20

What is hypokalemia?

Answer 20

Too little potassium in blood

Caused by too many diuretics, kidney disease, alcoholism, diarrhea

Question 21

What is cardiac tomponade?

Answer 21

Build up of fluids in between myocardium and pericardium
Ventricles can’t expand
Caused by MÍ and end stage lung cancer

Question 22

What is tension pneumothorax?

Answer 22

Build up of air within pleural spaces usually due to lung laceration

Question 23

What is coronary thrombosis?

Answer 23

Blood clot in a heart vessel

Question 24

What is pulmonary thrombosis?

Answer 24

Blood clot in the lung

Question 25

What are the steps in the Organized Team Approach?

Answer 25

Anticipation-rescuers preparations; gathering team, choosing leader, delineating duties, prep equipment, positioning rescuers
Entry- vital signs, BLS to ACLS, history of patient, vitals
Resuscitation-CAB, vitals every 5 minutes or change in status, state when procedures/medications administered
Maintenance-starts when vitals are stabilized
Family notification
Transfer-patient moves to another team
Debriefing-in another space; analyze performance of team

Question 26

What are educational tools used for learning ACLS (flow charts)?

Answer 26

Treatment Algorithms