ACLS review

156. What is the advantage of performing CPR prior to defibrillating a patient in VF/VT?

A brief period of chest compressions can deliver oxygen and energy substrates to the myocardium, thus increasing the likelihood that a perfusing rhythm will return after shock delivery.

157. What is the meaning of the term end tidal CO2? 

End-tidal CO2 is the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air at the end of expiration.

158.  What should the health care provider do for a patient that remains in refractory VF/VT after giving an initial dose of Lidocaine?

If pulseless VF/ VT persists, an additional doses of 0.5 to 0.75 mg/kg IV push may be administered at 5- to 10-minute intervals to a maximum dose of 3 mg/kg.

159.  What is the difference between unstable bradycardia and symptomatic bradycardia?

Unstable bradycardia implies that the patient is acutely impaired and cardiac arrest imminent.

Symptomatic bradycardia implies the patient the patient is more stable and the bradycardia is experiencing symptoms, such as weakness, lightheadedness, or dyspnea.

160.  What are some examples of wide complex tachycardia (QRS 0.12 second)?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT)

SVT with aberrancy

Pre-excited tachycardias (Wolff-Parkinson-White [WPW] syndrome)