ACLS review

136.  What is the difference between a monophasic and a biphasic defibrillator?

Monophasic defibrillators deliver current in one direction of current flow and require a higher joule setting.  Whereas biphasic defibrillators deliver current in two directions of current flow and require a lower joule setting.

137.  Cardioversion has been shown to be ineffective in the treatment of what two rhythms?

Cardioversion is not effective for treatment of junctional tachycardia or multifocal atrial tachycardia.

138. What is the next medication that may be considered when VF/VT is unresponsive to CPR, defibrillation, and vasopressor therapy?

Amiodarone 300mg push IV/IO

 139. If tension pneumothorax is clinically suspected as the cause of PEA what might the initial management include?

Needle decompression

140. If an advanced airway is in place, the provider should ventilation the patient at what rate?    

The provider delivering ventilations should give 1 breath every 6  (10 breaths per minute) and should be careful to avoid hyperventilating the patient.  After placement of a supraglottic airway or an endotracheal tube, the provider performing chest compressions should deliver at least 100 - 120 compressions per minute continuously without pauses for ventilation. The provider delivering ventilations should give 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) and should be particularly careful to avoid delivering an excessive number of ventilations.


Reviewed 2/28/16