Electrical Therapies and Defibrillation Flashcards
7 cards from real ACLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Electrical Therapies and Defibrillation flashcards as text
What is the recommended initial energy dose for defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) using a biphasic defibrillator?
Answer: 120–200 J
ACLS guidelines recommend 120–200 J for initial biphasic defibrillation, with the specific dose depending on the manufacturer's recommendation.
Which of the following rhythms requires synchronized cardioversion rather than unsynchronized defibrillation?
Answer: Unstable atrial fibrillation with a pulse
Synchronized cardioversion is used for organized rhythms with a pulse (e.g., unstable AF, SVT, stable VT), while unsynchronized defibrillation is reserved for pulseless rhythms and VF.
What is the recommended initial energy for synchronized cardioversion of unstable atrial fibrillation using a biphasic device?
Answer: 120–200 J
For unstable atrial fibrillation, ACLS recommends an initial biphasic energy of 120–200 J for synchronized cardioversion.
Where should defibrillator pads be placed in the standard anterolateral position?
Answer: Right subclavicular and left lower rib cage lateral to the left nipple
Standard anterolateral placement is right infraclavicular (below right clavicle) and left lateral chest (V4-V6 level, lateral to left nipple).
When using a monophasic defibrillator for VF, what energy level should be used for all shocks?
Answer: 360 J
Monophasic defibrillators deliver 360 J for all shocks during VF/pVT because they are less efficient than biphasic devices and require higher energy.
After delivering a defibrillation shock, what should be done immediately?
Answer: Resume CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions
After defibrillation, CPR should be immediately resumed starting with chest compressions to maintain perfusion, with a rhythm check performed after 2 minutes.
What is the primary purpose of the synchronization feature on a cardioverter-defibrillator?
Answer: To deliver the shock during the refractory period of the cardiac cycle to avoid the T-wave
Synchronization times shock delivery to coincide with the R-wave (avoiding the vulnerable T-wave period), reducing the risk of inducing VF during cardioversion.