Cardiology & Resuscitation Flashcards

A patient in ventricular fibrillation receives a 200J biphasic shock. The rhythm converts to pulseless electrical activity (PEA). What is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: Resume high-quality CPR and search for reversible causes

PEA requires CPR and treatment of reversible causes (Hs and Ts); defibrillation is not indicated for PEA.

When performing CPR on an adult, what is the recommended chest compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer without an advanced airway?

Answer: 30:2

The 2020 AHA guidelines recommend a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR without an advanced airway.

A patient presents with a wide-complex tachycardia at 160 bpm with a pulse and stable blood pressure. Which drug is the first-line pharmacologic treatment?

Answer: Amiodarone 150mg IV over 10 minutes

Amiodarone 150mg IV over 10 minutes is the preferred agent for stable wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin.

Which of the following ECG findings is most consistent with right ventricular MI?

Answer: ST elevation in lead V4R

ST elevation in right-sided lead V4R is the hallmark finding of right ventricular myocardial infarction.

During cardiac arrest resuscitation, epinephrine 1mg IV/IO should be administered every:

Answer: 3–5 minutes

The AHA recommends epinephrine 1mg IV/IO every 3–5 minutes during cardiac arrest.

A patient with suspected tension pneumothorax develops PEA during CPR. The correct immediate intervention is:

Answer: Needle decompression of the affected side

Tension pneumothorax is a reversible cause of PEA and is treated with immediate needle decompression.

Which post-cardiac arrest intervention has been shown to improve neurological outcomes in comatose survivors?

Answer: Targeted temperature management (TTM) at 32–36°C

Targeted temperature management at 32–36°C for 24 hours improves neurological outcomes in comatose post-arrest survivors.