Chapter 13 - BLS Resuscitation

Question 1

Abdominal-thrust maneuver

Answer 1

The preferred method to dislodge a severe airway obstruction in adults and children; also called the Heimlich maneuver.

Question 2

Active compression-decompression CPR

Answer 2

A technique that involves compressing the chest and then actively pulling it back up into its neutral position or beyond (decompression); may increase the amount of blood that returns to the heart and, thus, the amount of blood ejected from the heart during the compression phase.

Question 3

Advanced life support (ALS)

Answer 3

Advanced life-saving procedures used to treat medical conditions, such as cardiac monitoring, administration of intravenous fluids and medications, and the use of advanced airway adjuncts. EMTs maybe trained in some of these areas.

Question 4

Basic life support (BLS)

Answer 4

Noninvasive emergency life-saving care that is used to treat medical conditions, including airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.

Question 5

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Answer 5

The combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing used to establish adequate ventilation and circulation in a patient who is not breathing and has no pulse.

Question 6

Chest compression fraction

Answer 6

The total percentage of time during a resuscitation attempt in which active chest compressions are being performed.

Question 7

Dependent lividity

Answer 7

Blood settling to the lowest point of the body, causing discoloration of the skin; a definitive sign of death.

Question 8

Gastric distention

Answer 8

A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation.

Question 9

Head tilt-chin lift maneuver

Answer 9

A combination of two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; not used for trauma patients.

Question 10

Hyperventilation

Answer 10

Rapid or deep breathing that lowers the blood carbon dioxide level below normal; may lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, decreased venous return, and hypotension when associated with BVM use.

Question 11

Impedance threshold device (ITD)

Answer 11

A valve device placed between the endotracheal tube in a bag valve mask that limits the amount of air entering the lungs during the recoil phase between chest compressions.

Question 12

Ischemia

Answer 12

A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow; potentially reversible because permanent injury has not yet occurred.

Question 13

Jaw-thrust maneuver

Answer 13

Technique to open the airway by placing the fingers behind the angle of the jar and bringing the jar forward; used for patients who may have a cervical spine injury.

Question 14

Load-distributing band (LDB)

Answer 14

A circumferential chest compression device composed of a constricting band and backboard that is either electronically or pneumatically driven to compress the heart by putting inward pressure on the thorax.

Question 15

Mechanical piston device

Answer 15

A device that depresses the sternum via a compressed gas-powered or electric-powered plunger mounted on a backboard.

Question 16

Recovery position

Answer 16

A side-lying position used to maintain a clear airway in unresponsive patients who are breathing adequately and do not have suspected injuries to the spine, hips, or pelvis.

Question 17

Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)

Answer 17

The return of a pulse and effective blood flow to the body in a patient who previously was in cardiac arrest.

Question 18

Rigor mortis

Answer 18

Stiffening of the body muscles; a definitive sign of death.

Question 19

Stridor

Answer 19

A harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound, generally heard during inspiration, that is caused by partial blockage or narrowing of the upper airway; may be audible without a stethoscope.

Question 20

Ventilation

Answer 20

Exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, spontaneously by the patient or with assistance from another person, such as an EMT.