RECOVER: ALS

Question 1

When should ECG be interpreted?

Answer 1

During brief pauses between compressor cycles

Question 2

3 major types of heart rhythms

Answer 2

Perfusing rhythms
Non-shockable arrest rhythms
Shockable arrest rhythms

Question 3

Perfusing rhythm

Answer 3

Repeated rhythm of any shape that generates pulses

Question 4

Non-shockable arrest rhythms

Answer 4

Not associated with effective cardiac output; defibrillation is not effective and may cause additional myocardial injury

Question 5

2 non-shockable rhythms

Answer 5

PEA

Asystole

Question 6

Characteristics of PEA

Answer 6

Appears coordinated
Repeats at <200bpm
Most commonly have rate <50 and narrow QRS complexes
Can look like normal sinus rhythm

Question 7

2 shockable arrest rhythms

Answer 7

Pulseless VT

Ventricular fibrillation

Question 8

Characteristics of pulseless VT

Answer 8

Organized, repeated, wide QRS complexes
Rate= >200 bpm
No accompanying pulses

Question 9

Characteristics of VF

Answer 9

Wavy, chaotic line on ECG

Question 10

Fine VF vs. course VF

Answer 10

Fine VF= low amplitude, high frequency

Course VF= high amplitude, low frequency

Question 11

ETCO2

Answer 11

The amount of CO2 in exhaled air at the end of the breath

Similar to partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood

Question 12

2 determining factors of ETCO2

Answer 12

Minute ventilation

Amount of blood returning from tissues to lungs

Question 13

Why can ETCO2 be evaluated during compressions?

Answer 13

No artifact from compression

Question 14

Minimum ETCO2 indicating effective compressions

Answer 14

15 mmHg

Question 15

Why are indirect BP monitors and pulse oximeters not useful in CPR?

Answer 15

Lack of adequate pulse pressure

Highly susceptible to motion artifact during compressions

Question 16

Why is occlusion of the vein rarely useful on a CPA patient?

Answer 16

Poor or absent peripheral venous return

Question 17

Post-drug administration flush volume by size

Answer 17

Cats: 3-5ml
Small-medium dogs: 5-10ml
Large-giant breed dogs: 10-15ml

Question 18

Which leg is preferred for cephalic IVC in lateral?

Answer 18

Down leg

Question 19

Which leg is preferred for saphenous IVC in lateral?

Answer 19

Up leg

Question 20

Common sites for IO catheters

Answer 20

Humerus, femur, tibia

Humerus ideal due to proximity to the heart

Question 21

Intratracheal (IT) drug dosing

Answer 21

2-10 times IV/IO dosing

Question 22

Dilution for IT drugs

Answer 22

5-10ml of sterile water or saline

Question 23

IT drug administration technique

Answer 23

Feed red rubber through ET tube
Administer diluted drug
Flush with 5-10ml of air
Withdraw catheter, reconnect to bag
Give 2 rapid breaths to help disperse the medication

Question 24

When is the only time IVF should be given during CPR?

Answer 24

Patients with documented or suspected hypovolemia

Question 25

Conditions in which corticosteroids may be beneficial in CPA

Answer 25

Anaphylactic shock

Concurrent Addison’s