ACLS review

176. What is the risk of attempting cardioversion on a patient with atrial fibrillation of longer than 48 hours duration?

They are at increased risk for cardioembolic events.

177.  What medications are the drugs of choice for acute rate control in most individuals with atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response?

IV β-blockers and calcium channel blockers such as Diltiazem

178.  What is the treatment strategy for treating a patient with a long QT interval baseline that is found to be in VT that is torsades de pointes?

Stop medications known to prolong the QT interval.

Correct electrolyte imbalance

Treat any other precipitating causes such as drug overdose or poisoning

179.  What is the immediate treatment for a patient who demonstrates rate-related cardiovascular compromise with signs and symptoms such as acute altered mental status, ischemic chest discomfort, acute heart failure, and hypotension?

When a patient presents with symptoms of cardiovascular compromise the rescuer should proceed with immediate synchronized cardioversion

180.  In the absence of ventricular dysfunction, when the ventricular rates are below ______, it is more likely that the tachycardia is secondary to the underlying condition rather than the cause of the instability.

less than 150 beats per minute





Reviewed 2/28/16