AHA ACLS Pretest Answers 2022

3˚ AV block

p and qrs completely separate

Answer: Identify the rhythm.

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Coarse ventricular fibrillation

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Reentry supraventricualr tachycardia (SVT)

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Sinus bradycardia

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Answer:Identify the rhythm

3˚ AV block

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Reentry Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

2˚ AV block (Mobitz type II)

no p-r prolonged, random drops

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Sinus bradycardia

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Atrial flutter

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Reentry supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

2˚ AV block

(Mobitz type I Wenckebach)

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Normal sinus rhythm

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Sinus tachycardia

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation

irreg, irreg

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Sinus tachycardia

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Fine ventricular fibrillation

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

2˚ AV block

(Mobitz type I Wenchkebach)

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Agonal rhythm/asystole

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Coarse ventricular fibrillation

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

Monomorphic Ventricular tachycardia

Answer:Identify the rhythm.

2. Magnesium is indicated for VF/pulseless VT associated with torsades de pointes.

Answer: Which of the following statements about the use of magnesium in cardiac arrest is most accurate?

1. Magnesium is indicated for shock-refractory monomorphic VT.

2. Magnesium is indicated for VF/pulseless VT associated with torsades de pointes.

3. Magnesium is contraindicated for VT associated with a normal QT interval.

4. Magnesium is indicated for VF refractory to shock and amiodarone or lidocaine.

1. Give aspirin 160 to 325 mg chewed immediately.

Answer: A patient with ST-segment elevation MI has ongoing chest discomfort. Fibrinolytic therapy has been ordered. Heparin 4000 units IV bolus was administered, and a heparin infusion of 1000 units per hour is being administered. Aspirin was not taken by the patient because he had a history of gastritis treated 5 years ago. Your next action is to:

1. Give aspirin 160 to 325 mg chewed immediately.

2. Give 75 mg enteric-coated aspirin orally.

3.Give 325 mg enteric-coated aspirin rectally.

4. Substitute clopidogrel 300 mg loading dose.

4. Start epinephrine 2 to 10 mcg/min.

Answer: A patient has sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 36/min. Atropine has been administered to a total of 3 mg. A transcutaneous pacemaker has failed to capture. The patient is confused, and her blood pressure is 110/60 mm Hg. Which of the following is now indicated?

1. Give additional 1 mg atropine.

2. Start dopamine 10 to 20 mcg/kg per minute.

3. Give normal saline bolus 250 mL to 500 mL.

4. Start epinephrine 2 to 10 mcg/min.

1. Do not give aspirin for at least 24 hours if rtPA is administered.

Answer: A 62-year-old man suddenly experienced difficulty speaking and left-side weakness. He was brought to the emergency department. He meets initial criteria for fibrinolytic therapy, and a CT scan of the brain is ordered. What are the guidelines for antiplatelet and fibrinolytic therapy?

1. Do not give aspirin for at least 24 hours if rtPA is administered.

2. Give aspirin 160 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg orally.

3. Administer heparin if CT scan is negative for hemorrhage.

4. Administer aspirin 160 to 325 mg chewed immediately.

4. Use of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor within 12 hours

A patient with possible ST-segment elevation MI has ongoing chest discomfort. Which of the following would be a contraindication to the administration of nitrates?

Answer: 1. Heart rate 90/min.

2. Left ventricular infarct with bilateral rales.

3. Blood pressure greater than 180 mm Hg.

4. Use of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor within 12 hours

1. Epinephrine 1 mg

Answer: A patient is in cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation has been refractory to a second shock. Of the following, which drug and dose should be administered first by the IV/IO route?

1. Epinephrine 1 mg

2. Vasopressin 20 units

3. Sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq

4. Atropine 1 mg

2. Adenosine 6 mg

Answer: A 35-year-old woman has palpitations, light-headedness, and a stable tachycardia. The monitor shows a regular narrow-complex QRS at a rate of 180/min. Vagal maneuvers have not been effective in terminating the rhythm. An IV has been established. What drug should be administered IV?

1. Lidocaine 1mg/kg

2. Adenosine 6 mg

3. Epinephrine 2 to 10 mcg/kg per minute

4. Atropine 0.5 mg

4. Dose of 1 mg

Answer: A patient with sinus bradycardia and heart rate of 42/min has diaphoresis and a blood pressure of 80/60 mm Hg. What is the initial dose of atropine?

1. Dose of 0.1mg

2. Dose of 3 mg

3. Dose of 1 mg

4. Dose of 0.5mg

5. 150 mg IV push.

Answer: A patient is in refractory ventricular fibrillation and has received multiple appropriate defibrillation shocks, epinephrine 1 mg IV twice, and an initial dose of 300 mg amiodarone IV. The patient is intubated. A second dose of amiodarone is now called for. The recommended second dose of amiodarone is:

1. An endotracheal dose of 2 to 4 mg/kg.

2. 300 mg IV push.

3. 1 mg/kg IV push.

4. An infusion of 1 to 2 mg/min.

5. 150 mg IV push.

1. Give normal saline 250 mL to 500 mL fluid bolus.

Answer: A patient with a possible acute coronary syndrome has ongoing chest discomfort unresponsive to 3 sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. There are no contraindications, and 4 mg of morphine sulfate was administered. Shortly afterward, blood pressure falls to 88/60 mm Hg, and the patient has increased chest discomfort. You should:

1. Give normal saline 250 mL to 500 mL fluid bolus.

2. Give an additional 2 mg of morphine sulfate.

3. Give sublingual nitroglycerin 0.4 mg.

4. Start dopamine at 2 mcg/kg per minute and titrate to a systolic blood pressure reading of 100 mm Hg.

2. Seeking expert consultation.

Answer: A patient has a rapid irregular wide-complex tachycardia. The ventricular rate is 138/min. He is asymptomatic, with a blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg. He has a history of angina. Which of the following actions is recommended?

1. Giving adenosine 6 mg IV bolus.

2. Seeking expert consultation.

3. Giving lidocaine 1 to 1.5 mg IV bolus.

4. Immediate synchronized cardioversion.

1. Gain IV or IO access.

Answer: You arrive on the scene with the code team. High-quality CPR is in progress. An AED has previously advised “no shock indicated.” A rhythm check now finds asystole. After resuming high-quality compressions, your next action is to:

1. Gain IV or IO access.

2. Place an esophageal-tracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway.

3. Attempt endotracheal intubation with minimal interruptions in CPR.

4. Call for a pulse check.

1. Amiodarone 300 mg

Answer: A patient is in pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Two shocks and 1 dose of epinephrine have been given. Which is the next drug/dose to anticipate to administer?

1. Amiodarone 300 mg

2. Amiodarone 150 mg

3. Vasopressin 40 units

4. Epinephrine 3 mg

5. Lidocaine 0.5 mg/kg

4. Lidocaine, epinephrine, vasopressin

Answer: Your patient has been intubated. IV/IO access is not available. Which combination of drugs can be administered by the endotracheal route?

1. Vasopressin, amiodarone, lidocaine

2. Amiodarone, lidocaine, epinephrine

3. Epinephrine, vasopressin, amiodarone

4. Lidocaine, epinephrine, vasopressin

2. IV or IO

Answer: A patient is in cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation has been refractory to an initial shock. What is the recommended route for drug administration during CPR?

1. Femoral vein

2. IV or IO

3. Central line

4. Endotracheal

5. External jugular vein

2. Second dose of epinephrine 1 mg

Answer: A patient is in refractory ventricular fibrillation. High-quality CPR is in progress, and shocks have been given. One does of epinephrine was given after the second shock. An antiarrhythmic drug was given immediately after the third shock. What drug should the team leader request to be prepared for administration next?

1. Escalating dose of epinephrine 3 mg. 2. Second dose of epinephrine 1 mg

3. Repeat the antiarrhythmic drug

4. Sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq

2. Perform immediate electrical cardioversion.

Answer: A 57-year-old woman has palpitations, chest discomfort, and tachycardia. The monitor shows a regular wide-complex ORS at a rate of 180/min. She becomes diaphoretic, and her blood pressure is 80/60 mm Hg. The next action is to:

1. Give amiodarone 300 mg IV push.

2. Perform immediate electrical cardioversion.

3. Establish IV access.

4. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.

4. Chest pain or shortness of breath is present.

Answer: Bradycardia requires treatment when:

1. The blood pressure is less than 100 mm Hg systolic with or without symptoms.

2. The heart rate is less than 60/min with or without symptoms.

3. The patient’s 12-lead ECG show an MI.

4. Chest pain or shortness of breath is present.

3. The correct dose of vasopressin is 40 units administered by IV or IO

Answer: Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the administration of vasopressin during cardiac arrest?

1. Vasopressin can be administered twice during cardiac arrest.

2. Vasopressin is indicated for VF and pulseless VT before delivery of the first shock.

3. The correct dose of vasopressin is 40 units administered by IV or IO.

4. Vasopressin is recommended instead of epinephrine for the treatment of asystole.

1. Epinephrine 1 mg or vasopressin 40 units IV or IO.

Answer: A patient is in cardiac arrest. High-quality chest compressions are being given. The patient is intubated and an IV has been started. The rhythm is asystole. Which is the first drug/dose to administer?

1. Epinephrine 1 mg or vasopressin 40 units IV or IO.

2. Atropine 1 mg IV or IO.

3. Atropine 0.5 mg IV or IO.

4. Epinephrine 3 mg via endotracheal route.

5. Dopamine 2 to 20 mcg/kg per minute IV or IO.

1. Perform vagal maneuvers.

Answer:A 35-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a chief compliant of palpitations. She has no chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or light-headedness. Which of the following is indicated first?

1. Perform vagal maneuvers.

2. Give adenosine 12 mg IV slow push (over 1 to 2 minutes).

3. Give metoprolol 5 mg IV and repeat if necessary.

4. Give adenosine 3 mg IV bolus.

5. Administer adenosine 6 mg; seek expert consultation.

Answer:You are monitoring a patient. He suddenly has the persistent rhythm shown below. You ask about symptoms and he reports that he has mild palpitations, but otherwise he is clinically stable with unchanged vital signs. What is your next action?

1. Give an immediate synchronized shock.

2. Give sedation and perform synchronized cardioversion.

3. Administer magnesium sulfate 1 to 2 g IV diluted in 10 mL D5W given over 5 to 20 minutes.

4. Give an immediate unsynchronized shock.

5. Administer adenosine 6 mg; seek expert consultation.

4. Give atropine 0.5 mg IV .

Answer:The patient suddenly becomes unconscious and has a weak carotid pulse. Cardiac monitoring, supplementary oxygen, and an IV have been initiated. The code cart with all the drugs and transcutaneous pacer are immediately available. Next you would:

1. Begin transcutaneous pacing.

2. Initiate dopamine at 10 to 20 mcg/kg per minute and to patient response.

3. Initiate dopamine at 2 to 10 mcg/kg per minute and titrate to patient response.

4. Give atropine 0.5 mg IV .

5. Initiate epinephrine at 2 to 10 mcg/kg per minute.

1. Reperfusion therapy.

Answer:A patient’s 12-lead ECG was transmitted by the paramedics and showed an acute MI. The above findings are seen on rhythm strip when a monitor is placed in emergency department. The patient had resolution of moderate (5.10) chest pain with 3 doses of sublingual nitroglycerin. Blood pressure is 104/70 mm Hg. Which intervention below is most important, reducing in-hospital and 30-day mortality?

1. Reperfusion therapy.

2. IV nitroglycerin for 24 hours.

3. Temporary pacing.

4. Atropine 0.5 mg IV, total dose 2 mg as needed.

5. Atropine 1 mg IV, total dose 3 mg as needed.

5. Give magnesium sulfate 1 to 2 g IV diluted in 10 mL D5W given over 5 to 20 minutes

Answer:This patient was admitted to the general medical ward with a history of alcoholism. A code is in progress and he has recurrent episodes of this rhythm. You review his chart. Notes about the 12-lead ECG say

that his baseline QT interval is high normal to slightly prolonged. He has received 2 doses of epinephrine 1 mg and 1 dose of amiodarone 300 mg IV so far. What would you order for his next medication?

1. Lidocaine 1 to 1.5 mg IV and start infusion 2 mg/min.

2. Repeat amiodarone 300 mg IV.

3. Repeat amiodarone 150 mg IV.

4. Give sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV.

5. Give magnesium sulfate 1 to 2 g IV diluted in 10 mL D5W given over 5 to 20 minutes

4. Administer epinephrine 1 mg.

Answer:You are the code team leader and arrive to find a patient with above rhythm and CPR in progress. Team members report that the patient was well but reported chest pain and then collapsed. She has no pulse or respirations. Bag-mask ventilations are producing visible chest rise, high-quality CPR is in progress, and an IV has been established. What would be your next order?

1. Administer atropine 1 mg.

2. Perform endotracheal intubation.

3. Start dopamine at 10 to 20 mcg/kg per minute.

4. Administer epinephrine 1 mg.

5. Administer amiodarone 300 mg.

2. Continue monitoring and seek expert consultation.

Answer:A patient presents with the rhythm below and reports an irregular heartbeat. She has no other symptoms. Her medical history is significant for a myocardial infarction 7 years ago. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg. What would you do at this time?

1. Perform elective synchronized cardioversion with presedation.

2. Continue monitoring and seek expert consultation.

3. Administer nitroglycerin 0.4 sublingual or spray.

4. Administer lidocaine 1mg/kg IV.

5. Perform emergency synchronized cardioversion

2. Resume high-quality chest compressions.

Answer:A patient was in refractory ventricular fibrillation. A third shock has just been administered. Your team looks to you for instructions. Your immediate next order is:

1. Perform endotracheal intubation.

2. Resume high-quality chest compressions.

3. Check the carotid pulse.

4. Give atropine 1 mg IV.

5. Give amiodarone 300 mg IV.

4. Continue monitoring the patient and seek expert consultation.

Answer:You are evaluating a patient with chest discomfort lasting 15 minutes during transportation to the emergency department. He is receiving oxygen and 2 sublingual nitroglycerin tablets have relieved his chest discomfort. He reports no other symptoms but appears anxious. Blood pressure is 130/70 mm Hg. You observe the rhythm below on the monitor. What is your next action?

1. Give atropine 0.5 mg IV.

2. Initiate transcutaneous pacing (TCP).

3. Start epinephrine 2 to 10 mcg/min and titrate to patient response.

4. Continue monitoring the patient and seek expert consultation.

5. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin 0.4 mg.

2. Seek expert consultation.

Answer:Following resuscitation with CPR and a single shock, you observe this rhythm while preparing the patient for transport. Your patient is stable and blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. She is apprehensive but has no symptoms other than palpitations. At this time you would:

1. Give magnesium sulfate 1 to 2 g over 20 minutes.

2. Seek expert consultation.

3. Give lidocaine 1 to 1.5 mg IV and start infusion.

4. Give amiodarone 300 mg IV and start infusion

5. Give a single shock.

Answer:You are monitoring a patient with chest discomfort who suddenly becomes unresponsive. You observe the following rhythm on the cardiac monitor. A defibrillator is present. What is your first action?

1. Intubate the patient and give epinephrine 2 to 4 mg via the endotracheal tube.

2. Being CPR with chest compressions for 2 minutes or about 5 cycles of compressions and ventilations.

3. Establish an IV and give epinephrine 1 mg.

4. Establish and IV and give vasopressin 40 units.

5. Give a single shock.

4. 1 to 2 L of normal saline.

Answer: A patient has been resuscitated from cardiac arrest and is being prepared for transport. She is intubated and is receiving 100% oxygen. Blood pressure is 80/60 mm Hg. During the resuscitation, she received 2 doses of epinephrine 1 mg and 1 does of amiodarone 300 mg IV. You now observe this rhythm on the cardiac monitor. The rhythm abnormality is becoming more frequent and increasing in number. You should order:

1. Amiodarone 150 mg IV bolus; start infusion.

2. A repeat dose of epinephrine 1 mg IV.

3. Lidocaine 1 to 1.5 mg IV; star infusion.

4. 1 to 2 L of normal saline.

5. Amiodarone 300 mg IV.

Respiratory Arrest

Answer: Know what to do during a respiratory arrest, whether it is the ACLS or the BLS steps that you are performing. Further, get to know the types of ventilation (advanced and basic) and the techniques of placing the airways.

Ventricular Fibrillation & Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia

Answer: Study the rules for ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and torsades de pointes. These rules include guidelines for regularity, rate, waves, intervals, and complexes for all three cases.

Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) & Asystole

Answer: Study the rules for pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and asystole. Learn about the reversible causes of PEA (the H’s and the T’s).

Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm

Answer: Use the infographic to gain knowledge about the steps to take in case of an adult cardiac arrest. Further, learn how about the quality of CPR you give, shock energy, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), advanced airway, drug therapy, and reversible causes of cardiac arrest.

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

Answer: Get a glimpse of what to do after a cardiac arrest has passed: optimize ventilation and circulation; preserve heart and brain tissue and function; and maintain recommended blood glucose levels. Learn how blood pressure support, vasopressors, and hypothermia help during post-cardiac arrest care.

Adult Immediate Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm

Answer: Acquaint yourself with immediate post-cardiac arrest care elements, including ventilation and oxygenation, doses and its details, reversible causes of cardiac arrest, and steps to take in case of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Symptomatic Bradycardia

Answer: Study the rules for sinus bradycardia, first degree AV block, second degree type I AV block (wenkebach), second degree type II AV block (mobitz II), and third degree AV block (complete heart block). These rules include guidelines for regularity, rate, waves, intervals, and complexes for all cases. Further, also get a glimpse of symptoms of bradycardia.

Adult Bradycardia with Pulse Algorithm

Answer: Use the infographic to gain knowledge about the steps to take in case of an adult bradycardia with pulse. Also, learn about the symptoms of tachycardia, and what to do in the event of tachycardia pulse being higher than 100 BMP symptomatic.

Stable & Unstable Tachycardia

Answer: Study the rules for sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter, and atrial fibrillation (A-FIB). These rules include guidelines for regularity, rate, waves, intervals and complexes for all cases. Also, learn about the symptoms of tachycardia, and what to do in the event of tachycardia pulse being higher than 100 BMP symptomatic.

Adult Tachycardia with Pulse Algorithm

Answer: Use the infographic to learn what to do in case of an adult tachycardia with pulse. Also get a quick glimpse of dosages for adult tachycardia with pulse.

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Answer: Learn about ACS and its symptoms; and get a glimpse of the EMS pathway.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Algorithm

Answer: Use the infographic to learn what to do when rescuing someone with ACS.

Acute Stroke

Answer: Learn about Acute Stroke and its symptoms; and get a glimpse of the EMS pathway. Further, review the goals set by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) for situations when the time of symptom onset is known.

Acute Stroke Algorithm

Answer: Use the infographic to learn what to do when rescuing someone suffering from Acute Stroke.

Perform immediate electrical cardioversion

Answer: A 57-year-old woman has palpitations, chest discomfort, and tachycardia. The monitor shows a regular wide-complex QRS at a rate of 180/min. She becomes diaphoretic, and her blood pressure is 80/60 mm Hg. The next action is to:

Give normal Saline 250 mL to 500 ml fluid bolus

Amiodarone 300 mg

Answer: A patient is in pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Two shocks and 1 dose of epinephrine have been given. Which is the next drug/dose to anticipate administering?

150 mg IV push

Answer: A patient is in refractory ventricular fibrillation and has received multiple appropriate defibrillation shocks, epinephrine 1 mg IV twice, and an initial dose of 300 mg amidarone IV. The patient is intubated. A second does of amiodarone is now called for. The recommended second dose of amiodarone is

Adenosine 6 mg

Answer: A 35-year-old woman has palpitations, light-headiness, and a stable tachycardia. The monitor shows a regular narrow-complex QRS at a rate of 180/min. Vagal maneuvers have not been effective in terminated the rhythm. An IV has been established. What drug should be administered IV?

Seeking expert consultation

Use of phosphodiesterase inhibitor within 12 hours.

Answer: A patient with possible ST-segment elevation MI has ongoing chest discomfort. Which of the following would be a contraindication to the administration of nitrates?

Start epinephrine 2 to 10 mcg/min

Answer: A patient has sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 36/min. Atropine has been administered to a total dose of 3 mg. A transcutaneous pacemaker has failed to capture. The patient is confused, and her blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg. Which of the following is now indicated?

Epinephrine 1 mg

Answer: A patient is in cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation has been refractory to a second shock. Of the following, which drug and dose should be administered first by the IV/IO route?

Gain IV or IO access

Answer: You arrive on the scene with the code team. High-quality CPR is in progress. An AED has previously advised, “no shock indicated.” A rhythm check now finds asystole. After resuming high-quality compressions, your next action is to:

Give Aspirin 160 to 325 mg chewed immediately.

Answer: A patient with ST-segment elevation MI has ongoing chest discomfort. Fibrinolytic therapy has been ordered. Heparin 4000 units IV bolus was administered, and a heparin infusion of 1000 units per hour is being administered. Aspirin was taken by the patient because he had a history of gastritis treated 5 years ago. Your next action is?

Chest pain or shortness of breath is present

Answer: Bradycardia requires treatment when:

Magnesium is indicated for VF/pulseless VT associated with torsades de pointes.

Which of the following statements about the use of magnesium in cardiac arrest is most accurate?

Epinephrine 1 mg or vasopressin 40 units IV or IO

Answer: A patient is in cardiac arrest. High-quality chest compressions are being given. The patient is intubated, and an IV has been started. The rhythm is asystole. Which is the first drug/dose to administer?

0.5 mg

Answer: A patient has sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 42/min has diaphoresis and a blood pressure of 80/60 mm Hg. What is the initial dose of atropine?

Second dose of epinephrine 1 mg

Answer: A patient is in refractory ventricular fibrillation. High-quality CPR is in progress, and shocks have been given. One dose of epinephrine was given after the second shock. An antiarrhythmic drug was given immediately after the third shock. What drug should the team leader request to be prepared for administration next?

Do not give aspirin for at least 24 hours if rtPA is administered

Answer: A 62-year-old man suddenly experienced difficulty speaking and left-sided weakness. He was brought to the emergency department. He meets initial criteria for fibrinolytic therapy, and a CT scan of the brain is ordered. What are the guidelines for antiplatelet and fibrinolytic therapy?

The correct dose of vasopressin is 40 units administered IV or IO.

Answer: Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the administration of vasopressin during cardiac arrest?

IV or IO

Answer: A patient is in cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation has been refractory to an initial shock. What is the recommended route for drug administration during CPR?

Lidocaine, epinephrine, vasopressin

Answer: Your patient has been intubated. IV/IO access is not available. Which combination of drugs can be administered by the endotracheal route?

Give atropine 0.5 mg IV.

Answer: The patient suddenly becomes unconscious and has a weak carotid pulse. Cardiac monitoring, supplementary oxygen, and an IV have been initiated. The code cart with all the drugs and a transcutaneous pacer are immediately available. Next you would?

Give epinephrine 1 mg IV.

Answer: You arrive on the scene to find CPR in progress. Nursing staff report that the patient was recovering from a pulmonary embolism and suddenly collapsed. There is no pulse or spontaneous respirations. High-quality CPR and effective bag-mask ventilation are being provided. An IV has been initiated. What would you do now?

Seek expert consultation

Answer: Following resuscitation with CPR and a single shock, you observe this rhythm while preparing the patient for transport. Your patient is stable, and blood pressure is 120/80 mg Hg. She is apprehensive but has no symptoms other than palpitations. At this time you would?

Prepare to give epinephrine 1 mg IV.

Answer: Following imitation of CPR and 1 shock for VF, this rhythm is present on the next rhythm check. A second shock is give, and chest compressions are resumed immediately. An IV is in place, and no drugs have been given. Bag-mask ventilations are producing visible chest rise. What is your next order?

Continue monitoring and seek expert consultation.

Answer: A patient presents with the above rhythm and reports an irregular heartbeat. She has no other symptoms. Her medical history is significant for a myocardial infarction 7 years ago. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg. What would you do at this time

Give a single shock.

Answer: You are monitoring a patient with chest discomfort who suddenly becomes unresponsive. You observe the following rhythm on the cardiac monitor. A defibrillator is present. What is your first action?

1 to 2 L of normal saline

Answer: A patient has been resuscitated from cardiac arrest and is being prepared for transport. She is intubated and is receiving 100% oxygen. Blood pressure is 80/60 mm Hg. During the resuscitation, she received 2 doses of epinephrine 1 mg and 1 dose of aminodarone 300 mg IV. You now observe the above rhythm on the cardiac monitor. The rhythm abnormality is becoming more frequent and increasing in number. You should order:

Atropine 0.5 mg IV

Answer: You arrive on the scene to find a 56-year-old diabetic woman with dizziness. She is pale and diaphoretic. Her blood pressure is 80/60 mm Hg. The cardiac monitor documents the rhythm above. She is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min by nasal cannula, and an IV has been established. Your next order is:

Continue monitoring the patient and seek expert consultation.

Answer: You are evaluating a patient with chest discomfort lasting 15 minutes during transportation to the emergency department. He is receiving oxygen, and 2 sublingual nitroglycerin tablets have relieved his chest discomfort. He reports no other symptoms but appears anxious. Blood pressure is 130/70 mg Hg. You observe the above rhythm on the monitor. What is your next action?

Repeat adenosine 12 mg IV.

Answer: A 45-year-old woman with a history of palpitations develops light-headedness and palpitations. She has received adenosine 6 mg IV for the rhythm shown above without conversion of the rhythm. She is now extremely apprehensive. Blood pressure is 108/70 mm Hg. What is the next appropriate intervention?

Resume high-quality chest compressions.

Answer: A patient was in refractory ventricular fibrillation. A shock has just been administered. Your team looks to you for instructions. Your immediate next order is:

Sublingual nitroglycerin 0.4 mg

Answer: A patient in the emergency department develops recurrent chest discomfort (8/10) suspicious for ischemia. His monitored rhythm becomes irregular as seen above. Oxygen is being administered by nasal cannula at 4 L/min, and an IV line is in place. Blood pressure is 160/96 mm Hg. There are no allergies or contraindications to any medication. You would first order:

Administer adenosine 6 mg; seek expert consultation

Answer: You are monitoring a patient. He suddenly has the above persistent rhythm. You ask about symptoms, and he reports that he has mild palpitations, but otherwise he is clinically stable with unchanged vital signs. What is your next action?

Give an immediate unsynchronized high-energy shock (defibrillation dose).

Answer: This patient has been resuscitated from cardiac arrest. During the resuscitation, amiodarone 300 mg was administered. The patient developed severe chest discomfort with diaphoresis. He is now unresponsive. What is the next indicated action?

Reperfusion therapy

Answer: A patient’s 12-lead ECG was transmitted by the paramedics and showed an acute MI. The above findings are seen on a rhythm strip when a monitor is placed in the emergency department. The patient had resolution of moderate (5/10) chest pain with 3 does of sublingual nitroglycerin. Blood pressure is 104/70 mm Hg. Which intervention below is most important, reducing in-hospital and 30-day mortality?

Perform vagal maneuvers

Answer: A 35-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a chief complaint of palpations. She has no chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or light-headedness. Which of the following is indicated first?

Begin CPR, starting with high-quality chest compressions.

Answer: A patient becomes unresponsive. You are uncertain if a faint pulse is present with the above rhythm. What is your next action?

Administer epinephrine 1 mg.

Answer: You are the code team leader and arrive to find a patient with the above rhythm and CPR in progress. Team members report that the patient was well but reported chest pain and then collapsed. She has no pulse or respirations. Bag-mask ventilations are producing visible chest rise, high-quality CPR is in progress, and an IV has been established. What would be your next order?

Give magnesium sulfate 1 to 2 g IV diluted in 10 mL D5W given over 5 to 20 minutes.

Answer: A patient was admitted to the general medical ward with a history of alcoholism. A code in progress, and he has recurrent episodes of the rhythm. You review his chart. Notes about the 12-lead ECG say that his baseline QT interval is high normal to slightly prolonged. He has received 2 doses of epinephrine 1 mg and 1 dose of aminodarone 300 mg IV so far. What would you order for his next medication?

Give atropine 0.5 mg IV

Answer: You are monitoring the patient and note the above rhythm on the cardiac monitor. She has dizziness, and her blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg. She has an IV in place. What is your next action?