ACLS review

146. What should a lone provider do to aid an adult drowning victim?

The healthcare provider may give about 5 cycles (approximately 2 minutes) of CPR then activate the emergency response system.

147.  As the health care provider checks the victim of cardiac arrest for responsiveness what else should be assessed?

The health care provider should also check for absence of breathing or abnormal breathing (agonal or gasping respirations).

148.  Describe the correct hand placement when performing chest compressions.

The health care provider should place the heel of one hand on the center of the victim's chest and the heel of the other hand on top of the first so that the hands are overlapped.

149.  If an adult victim has a strong pulse but is not breathing, how often should the health care provider provide rescue breaths?  

The healthcare provider should give rescue breaths at a rate of about 1 breath every 5 to 6 seconds, or about 10 to 12 breaths per minute.

150.  What should the healthcare provider do for a patient who had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator that is delivering a shock?  If the patient has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) that is delivering shocks then allow 30 to 60 seconds for the ICD to complete the treatment cycle before attaching an AED


Reviewed 2/28/16