Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Flashcards
What is cardiac arrest, what are signs it is present
Abrupt loss of heart function/ absence of pulse, unresponsiveness, apnea (no breathing)
Why do patients develop cardiac arrest
Coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, structural abnormality, electrical abnormality, asthma, trauma
What is the chain of survival for cardiac arrest
Immediate recognition and activation of the emergency response system, early CPR (emphasis on chest compressions), Rapid defibrilation, effective advanced life support, intergrated post cardiac arrest care
When giving CPR for cardiac arrest what is the target compression per minute, depth
100-120 compressions per minute, 2-2.4 inches (rotate compressions every two minutes if needed to meet target)
What is acronym for Basic Life Support for Cardiac Arrest
Circulation: chest compressions through CPR (little interruptions)
Airway: Open and secure airway (endotracheal intubation)
Breathing: Rescue breaths (endotracheal intubation)
Defibrillation: AED (automatic external defibrillator)/Rapid defibrillation if necessary
If there is a break in compressions what is the longest it should last
10 seconds
What are the best routes of administration for cardiac arrest
Intravenous (central or peripheral), Intraosseous, Endotracheal (not preferred)
What drugs can be administered endotracheal
Naloxone, Atropine, Versed/Vallium/Vasopressin, Epinephrine, Lidocaine
How must the dose be changed if given Endotracheal
2-2.5 times the normal dose, followed by 10 ml normal saline flush
What are the intraosseous lines placed, how
Femoral head or tibia, Drill
What are the various rhythms that indicate Cardiac arrest
Ventricular fibrillation (VF), Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), Asystole (flatline), Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
What are the Hs that cause PEA
Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo/hyperkalemia, Hypothermia
What are the Ts that cause PEA
Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins, Thrombosis (pulmonary or coronary)
When a person goes into cardiac arrest what is the first thing that should be done
Give CPR and attach monitor/defibrillator
What are the rhythm shockable states of Cardiac Arrest
Ventricular Fibrillation and Pulseless ventricular Tachycardia