Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

What is the recommended compression rate during CPR?
a. 80-100 compressions per minute
b. 100-120 compressions per minute
c. 120-140 compressions per minute
d. 140-160 compressions per minute

Answer 1

b. 100-120 compressions per minute

Question 2

Which vascular access is preferred in cardiac arrest?
a. Intravenous (IV)
b. Intraosseous (IO)
c. Arterial line
d. Central venous catheter

Answer 2

Answer: b. Intraosseous (IO)
** In cardiac arrest, the preferred vascular access should be IO. However, if paramedic judgment suggests IV access is obtainable and can be performed within 30-60 seconds, then IV access is acceptable and should only be attempted once.

Question 3

When should sodium bicarbonate be considered in cardiac arrest?
a. After 5 minutes of CPR
b. After 10 minutes of CPR
c. After 15 minutes of CPR
d. After 20 minutes of CPR

Answer 3

Answer: b. After 10 minutes of CPR

Question 4

What is the recommended initial approach for asystole?
a. Immediate defibrillation
b. Confirm asystole in at least two leads
c. Administer epinephrine every 5 minutes
d. Perform double sequential defibrillation

Answer 4

Answer: b. Confirm asystole in at least two leads

Question 5

Which rhythm indicates the need for a normal saline bolus in a patient with PEA?❓🚩
a. Normal and wide
b. Slow and narrow
c. Fast and narrow
d. Fast and wide

Answer 5

** Answer: b) slow and narrow c) Normal/Fast and narrow are correct according to page 12 and 13. But on page 11, and page 14 it states to treat underlying causes

CgPT

The correct answer is:

b. Slow and narrow

In pulseless electrical activity (PEA), the heart has organized electrical activity but does not generate an effective pulse. The underlying cause of PEA can be identified using the H’s and T’s mnemonic. One of the common reversible causes is hypovolemia, which requires a normal saline (NS) or lactated Ringer’s bolus for treatment.

• Slow and narrow QRS complexes in PEA often indicate hypovolemia or cardiac tamponade, both of which can improve with fluid resuscitation.
• Fast and narrow QRS may suggest a metabolic issue, such as acidosis or hyperkalemia.
• Wide QRS complexes (fast or slow) are more often associated with hyperkalemia, drug toxicity, or metabolic derangements rather than volume depletion.

In suspected hypovolemia, immediate administration of IV fluids (e.g., normal saline bolus) is a priority intervention.

Question 6

When should pacing be considered in Asystole?
a. After 5 minutes of CPR
b. Immediately after confirming asystole
c. Pacing is not recommended for asystole
d. If the patient has a heart rate below 30 bpm

Answer 6

Answer: c. Pacing is not recommended for asystole