Adult advanced life support

Question 1

What is the Ratio of chest compressions in ALS?

Answer 1

Ratio of chest compressions to ventilation is 30:2

Question 2

Management of VF/VT cardiac arrest

Answer 2

During a VF/VT cardiac arrest, adrenaline 1 mg is given once chest compressions have restarted after the third shock and then every 3-5 minutes (during alternate cycles of CPR).

Question 3

Management of VF/pulseless VT cardiac arrest

Answer 3

A single shock for VF/pulseless VT followed by 2 minutes of CPR, rather than a series of 3 shocks followed by 1 minute of CPR

Question 4

Management of cardiac arrest that is WITNESSED

Answer 4

If the cardiac arrested is witnessed in a monitored patient (e.g. in a coronary care unit) then up to three quick successive (stacked) shocks, rather than 1 shock followed by CPR

Question 5

Management of Asystole/pulseless-electrical activity cardiac arrest

Answer 5

Adrenaline 1mg should be given as soon as possible. Should be treated with 2 minutes of CPR prior to reassessment of the rhythm

Question 6

What are the 4 H’s reversible causes of cardiac arrest?

Answer 6

1. Hypoxia
2. Hypovolaemia
3. Hyperkalaemia, hypokalaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia, acidaemia and other metabolic disorders
4. Hypothermia

Question 7

What are the 4 T’s reversible causes of cardiac arrest?

Answer 7

1. Thrombosis (coronary or pulmonary)
2. Tension pneumothorax
3. Tamponade – cardiac
4. Toxins