Basics Flashcards

What is the correct hand placement for chest compressions in an adult during CPR?

Answer: Lower half of the sternum

Compressions should be delivered on the lower half of the sternum to effectively compress the heart.

During ACLS, what is the significance of a 'no-flow time' ratio?

Answer: It is the fraction of time without chest compressions during resuscitation

No-flow time refers to pauses in chest compressions; minimizing this ratio is critical to maintaining coronary perfusion pressure.

Which of the following scenarios represents the appropriate use of a bag-mask device (BVM) during ACLS?

Answer: Two rescuers — one holds the mask with two hands, one squeezes the bag

A two-rescuer BVM technique, with one maintaining a two-hand mask seal and the other squeezing the bag, provides better ventilation.

In ACLS, vasopressin was previously listed as an alternative to epinephrine. What does current guidance recommend?

Answer: Vasopressin has been removed; epinephrine is the sole vasopressor

Current AHA ACLS guidelines have removed vasopressin from the algorithm; epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 minutes is the standard vasopressor.

What is the recommended target SpO2 range during post-cardiac arrest care after ROSC?

Answer: 94–99%

After ROSC, SpO2 should be maintained at 94–99% to avoid both hypoxia and hyperoxia, which can worsen neurological outcomes.

Which ACLS role is responsible for recording medication times, CPR intervals, and rhythm changes during a resuscitation?

Answer: Timekeeper/recorder

The timekeeper/recorder tracks timing of interventions, medication doses, and rhythm changes to keep the team informed.

A patient in cardiac arrest has a rhythm of asystole confirmed in two leads. What is the correct next step?

Answer: Continue CPR and investigate reversible causes

Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm; defibrillation is contraindicated and CPR with investigation of the H's and T's is the correct approach.