ch 14 Flashcards
What are the key components of BLS
Recognition of cardiac arrest High-quality CPR Early defibrillation Rapid transport
What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR
30:2 for single rescuer
How deep should chest compressions be in adults
At least 2 inches (5 cm)
What is the recommended compression rate for CPR
100 to 120 compressions per minute
When should an AED be used
As soon as it is available
What is the first step when you find an unresponsive adult
Check for responsiveness and breathing
How long should you check for a pulse
No more than 10 seconds
Where do you check a pulse in an unresponsive adult
Carotid artery
What should you do if there is no breathing and no pulse
Begin chest compressions immediately
What is the purpose of defibrillation
To stop abnormal heart rhythms (like ventricular fibrillation) and allow normal rhythm to resume
What is the most common initial rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest
Ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib)
What does AED stand for
Automated External Defibrillator
Why is early defibrillation important
It significantly increases survival chances in cardiac arrest
What is the preferred method of opening the airway in a patient without trauma
Head-tilt chin-lift
What is the method used to open the airway if trauma is suspected
Jaw-thrust maneuver
When should you stop CPR
ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) exhaustion or valid DNR higher care provider hand off dangerous environment
What should you do immediately after a shock is delivered by the AED
Resume CPR starting with chest compressions
What are signs of effective CPR
Chest rise with ventilations full chest recoil minimal interruptions
How often should you switch compressors during CPR
Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued
What is ROSC
Return of Spontaneous Circulation
How should you ventilate a adult patient with a pulse but inadequate breathing
1 breath every 5–6 seconds
What should be done if a patient has a pulse but is unresponsive and not breathing
Provide rescue breaths and monitor pulse
What special considerations apply for AED use on children
Use pediatric pads and energy settings if available
What should you do if the patient is wet before using an AED
Dry the chest before pad placement
What is agonal breathing
Ineffective gasping breaths that are not adequate for oxygenation
What are contraindications for AED use
None in true cardiac arrest (including pregnancy and pacemakers — just use proper pad placement)
What is the chain of survival in adult cardiac arrest
Immediate recognition early CPR rapid defibrillation advanced life support post-cardiac care
What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for 1-rescuer CPR in infants and children
30:2
What is the ratio for 2-rescuer CPR in infants and children
15: 2
How deep should compressions be in infants
About 1.5 inches (4 cm) or 1/3 the chest depth
How deep should compressions be in children
About 2 inches (5 cm) or 1/3 the chest depth
Where do you check the pulse in an infant
Brachial artery
Where do you check the pulse in a child
Carotid or femoral artery
What is the preferred compression method for a single rescuer in infant CPR
Two fingers in the center of the chest just below the nipple line
What compression method is used for 2-rescuer infant CPR
Two-thumb encircling hands technique
What is the ventilation rate for a child or infant with a pulse but inadequate breathing
1 breath every 3–5 seconds
When should an AED be applied in a pediatric cardiac arrest
As soon as available; use pediatric pads and dose attenuator if available
What do you do if pediatric AED pads are not available
Use adult pads one front and one back if needed
Why do most pediatric cardiac arrests occur
Respiratory failure or shock not cardiac origin
What should you do if you find an unresponsive child and are alone
Perform 2 minutes of CPR before activating EMS and getting an AED
What is a sign of effective pediatric CPR
Visible chest rise proper rate and depth and minimal interruptions
What rate should compressions be given in pediatric CPR
100–120 per minute
You arrive to find a 60-year-old man collapsed and unresponsive with no pulse What do you do first?
Start high-quality CPR and have someone retrieve and apply an AED.
A patient goes into cardiac arrest in a grocery store with an AED nearby What’s your next step after confirming no pulse?
Start CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible.
You witness a child collapse they’re unresponsive and not breathing What’s your first step?
Activate EMS if alone and begin CPR immediately.
You’ve been doing CPR and an AED says “no shock advised” What should you do next?
Resume CPR immediately for 2 minutes and reanalyze afterward.
During CPR a patient begins to move and breathe normally What should you do?
stop CPR
You find a patient with a pacemaker and need to use an AED What should you do?
Place AED pads at least 1 inch away from the pacemaker.
You are performing CPR on a patient when a second provider arrives What should you do?
Have the second provider take over compressions after 2 minutes and assist with ventilations or AED.
You are alone and find an infant who is unresponsive and not breathing What should you do?
Perform 2 minutes of CPR then activate EMS and get an AED if not already done.
You’ve shocked a patient with an AED and there is no response What’s next?
Resume CPR immediately for another 2 minutes before reassessing.
Why is full chest recoil important during CPR
It allows the heart to refill with blood
How long should interruptions in chest compressions be
Less than 10 seconds
What is a common cause of pediatric cardiac arrest
Hypoxia or respiratory failure
What is emphasized more in pediatric BLS compared to adult BLS
Ventilation
What device is preferred for a single rescuer providing breaths
Pocket mask with one-way valve
What device is preferred for two rescuers providing breaths
Bag-valve mask (BVM)
How long should each rescue breath last
1 second
How often should you give breaths with an advanced airway in place
1 breath every 6 seconds
Should you pause compressions when an advanced airway is in place
No continue compressions without pause
What should you do if the AED pads won’t stick due to wet skin
Dry the chest
What should you do if the patient has a hairy chest and pads won’t stick
Shave the area quickly
Why should you not use an AED in a moving ambulance
It can interfere with rhythm analysis and shock delivery
How should you place AED pads on a small child or infant
One pad on chest one pad on back (anteroposterior)
What position helps improve circulation during CPR in pregnancy
Manual uterine displacement or left-lateral tilt
What airway technique should you use in trauma patients
Jaw-thrust maneuver
What is the priority in drowning-related cardiac arrest
Ventilation
How should hypothermic cardiac arrest be handled
Prolonged resuscitation avoid shocking until rewarmed
Why is closed-loop communication important during CPR
It ensures clear instructions and accountability
What is the role of the CPR team leader
Coordinate efforts and minimize interruptions
