ACLS review: Asystole/PEA Review Questions Part 1

1. What is the initial IV dose of Vasopressin in an asystole?
a. 40mcg/min
b. .04mg/kg/min
c. 40 units
d. It is no longer recommended

2. What is the initial IV/IO dose of epinephrine for a patient in PEA
a. 1mg/kg of a 1:1000 solution
b. 1mg of a 1:1000 solution
c. 1mg/kg of a 1:10,000 solution
d. 1mg of a 1:10,000 solution

3. When used to treat asystole and PEA, all of the following are true regarding epinephrine except?
a. Must be given slowly over 2 minutes
b. May be given every 3-5 minutes
c. May be given via an endotracheal tube at 2-2.5mg
d. It may increase the heart rate and BP

4. What is the recommended dose of epinephrine 1:1000 via the ET tube?
a. 1mg
b. 2mg
c. 3mg
d. 4mg

5. Under current AHA guidelines you may defibrillate asystole immediately.

a. True
b. False

6. What is the correct dose of Atropine when treating PEA
a. 1mg
b. 2mg
c. 1.5mg
d. It is not recommended for this rhythm

7. Sodium Bicarbonate is indicated for all of the following except
a. Tricyclic antidepressant overdose
b. Known hyperkalemia
c. Alkalinize urine in aspirin overdose
d. Long arrest interval
e. Preexisting hypokalemia

8. During asystole, transcutaneous pacing may be used
a. As a last ditch effort
b. After giving both epinephrine and atropine
c. Useful with first few minutes of arrest
d. It is not recommended for asystole

9. To verify presence of asystole you do would which of the following?
a. Confirm asystole in another lead
b. Make sure correct lead is displayed on the monitor
c. Make sure cables are connected to the monitor
d. Check gain on monitor
e. All the above

ANSWERS
1. d. It is no longer recommended

2. c. 1mg of a 1:10,000 solution

3. a. Must be given slowly over 2 minutes

4. b. 2 mg

5. b. False

6. d. It is not recommended for this rhythm

7. e. Preexisting hypokalemia 

8. d. It is not recommended for asystole
10. e. All the above

Reviewed 3/1/16