ACLS review

96. When assessing the effectiveness of transcutaneous pacing, the rescuer observes for electrical capture.  What is meant by the term electrical capture?

 Electrical capture is observed when a pacer spike is immediately followed by a QRS complex

97.  How often can Atropine be administered to a patient in unstable bradycardia?

Atropine 0.5mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes up to a total dose of 3mg (0.04mg/kg)

98. What three drugs may be used in the treatment of wide complex tachycardia?

Amiodarone 150mg infused over 10-20 minutes

Lidocaine 1-1.5mg/kg IV push.  May repeat at 0.5-.75mg/kg in 5-10 minutes

Procainamide 20mg/kg infused over 30-60 minutes

99. A patient with stable SVT fails to respond to an initial dose of 6mg adenosine. What would be the next appropriate step in treating this patient?

Administer a second dose of adenosine at 12mg IV using the fast flush technique

100.  Can Polymorphic VT be cardioverted? 

No.  Arrhythmias with a polymorphic QRS appearance will not permit synchronization.  Thus the rhythm should be treated as if it were VF and defibrillated at 200 J. 


Reviewed 2/28/16