ECC Technology & Digital Tools 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which waveform on an ETCO2 capnograph indicates a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during CPR?
- A sudden decrease in ETCO2 to below 10 mmHg
- A sudden increase in ETCO2 to 35–45 mmHg (Correct answer)
- A flat ETCO2 waveform at 0 mmHg
- An irregular ETCO2 waveform matching compressions
Correct answer: A sudden increase in ETCO2 to 35–45 mmHg
ROSC causes a sudden rise in ETCO2 to normal physiologic levels (35–45 mmHg) as pulmonary blood flow is restored.
Question 2: A biphasic defibrillator is preferred over a monophasic defibrillator primarily because:
- It delivers a higher maximum joule setting
- It requires less energy while achieving equivalent or superior defibrillation success (Correct answer)
- It can cardiovert atrial fibrillation automatically
- It eliminates the need for conductive gel or pads
Correct answer: It requires less energy while achieving equivalent or superior defibrillation success
Biphasic waveforms are effective at lower energy levels (120–200 J) compared to monophasic devices (360 J), reducing myocardial damage.
Question 3: During a post-cardiac arrest debriefing, reviewing which device's stored data provides the MOST objective CPR quality metrics?
- Hospital telemetry system
- Defibrillator's event summary report with CPR feedback data (Correct answer)
- Pulse oximeter trend log
- Electronic health record nursing notes
Correct answer: Defibrillator's event summary report with CPR feedback data
Modern defibrillators record CPR metrics including compression rate, depth, fraction, and ventilation rate, enabling objective post-event debriefs.
Question 4: A prehospital provider uses a tablet-based decision support app that recommends drug doses based on patient weight during a pediatric arrest. This tool BEST represents which category of digital health technology?
- Electronic health record (EHR)
- Clinical decision support system (CDSS) (Correct answer)
- Automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Telestroke platform
Correct answer: Clinical decision support system (CDSS)
Clinical decision support systems analyze patient data (such as weight) and provide evidence-based recommendations to guide clinical actions.
Question 5: When pad placement is adjusted to the anteroposterior position for defibrillation, which patient scenario MOST justifies this change?
- Patient with an implanted pacemaker or ICD (Correct answer)
- Patient in respiratory arrest only
- Pediatric patient over 25 kg
- Patient with diaphoresis causing pad adhesion issues
Correct answer: Patient with an implanted pacemaker or ICD
Anteroposterior pad placement is recommended when the patient has an implanted pacemaker or ICD to avoid placing pads directly over the device.
Question 6: A wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) vest is MOST appropriate for which patient population?
- Patients with chronic stable angina
- Patients at temporary high risk for sudden cardiac death awaiting ICD implantation or recovery (Correct answer)
- Athletes with hypertension requiring remote monitoring
- Patients with atrial flutter post-cardioversion
Correct answer: Patients at temporary high risk for sudden cardiac death awaiting ICD implantation or recovery
The WCD provides external defibrillation capability for patients with transient high SCD risk, such as those with recent MI and low EF awaiting cardiac function reassessment.
Question 7: Which digital tool MOST directly supports the 'Team Dynamics' goal of closed-loop communication during resuscitation?
- A code clock displayed on the monitor (Correct answer)
- An AED in analyze mode
- A waveform capnograph trending ETCO2
- A smartphone showing the ACLS algorithm
Correct answer: A code clock displayed on the monitor
A prominently displayed code clock ensures all team members share the same time reference, reinforcing timed communication loops for drug administration and rhythm checks.
ECC Technology & Digital Tools 3
Which waveform on an ETCO2 capnograph indicates a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during CPR?