ACLS review: Pulseless VF/VT Review questions part 1

1.  What is the initial dose of Amiodarone in treating pulseless VT/VF?

2.  What are the ECG characteristics of Torsades de pointes?

3. Magnesium is the drug of choice in the treatment of what dysrhythmia?

4. When using a biphasic defibrillator, what is the joule setting when delivering the initial shock to an adult victim in VT/VF?

5. What is the initial dosage of Lidocaine used in the treatment of pulseless VT/VF?

6. What is the first vasoconstrictor that is administered during a pulseless arrest?

7.  What is the dosage of magnesium used in the treatment of torsade de pointe?

8. What is the dose of bicarbonate in a cardiac arrest?

9. What is the treatment of choice for pulseless VT/VF?

10. What are some precautions that should be observed before applying the defibrillator pads to the patient?

 Answers

1.       Amiodarone 300mg IV push

2.       There are no P waves

There is no PR interval

The QRS complex appears wide, bizarre and changes from beat to beat

The amplitude of the QRS complex begins smaller and gets larger then begins to get smaller again.

The rate is usually over 150

The rhythm is irregular

3.       Torsades de pointe

4.       For biphasic defibrillators, providers should use the manufacturers recommended energy dose (eg, initial dose of 120 to 200 J) If the manufacturer's recommended dose is not known, defibrillation at the maximal dose of 200 J may be considered.

5.       Lidocaine 1-1.5 mg/kg IV/IO push

6.       Epinephrine 1mg IV push or Vasopressin 40 units IV push

7.       1-2 grams IV/IO diluted in 10ml of D5W as a bolus or given over 5-20 minutes

8.       1mEq/kg IV/IO push

9.       Early defibrillation

10.  Make sure the skin surface is fry

Avoid pacemakers and other devices

Avoid letting the pads touch

Remove medication patches

Remove excess chest hair if the pads do not adhere to the chest wall



Reviewed 2/28/16