Exam must be completed in one sitting and in less than 2 hours. Each question must be answered to proceed to next.
there will be 50 questions, covering a wide variety of course topics, with a mix of t/f and mcq's. you'll be presented with different questions each time you take it, and answers will be randomized. This presentation ensures that ---- .
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ACLS ECG EXAM T/F
A wide QRS complex in a tachycardic rhythm suggests ventricular tachycardia (VT) over supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Incorrect.
Correct.
VT is a wide-complex rhythm (>0.12s). SVT typically has a narrow QRS unless aberrant conduction is present.
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) should be treated with defibrillation.
PEA is a non-shockable rhythm. Treatment focuses on high-quality CPR, epinephrine administration, and addressing reversible causes (H’s & T’s).
The H’s & T’s mnemonic is used to identify reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
The H’s & T’s (Hypoxia, Hypovolemia, Hydrogen ion imbalance, Hypo/Hyperkalemia, Hypothermia, Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins, Thrombosis) guide treatment in cases of PEA and asystole.
Second-degree AV block Mobitz I (Wenckebach) is always a life-threatening condition.
Mobitz I (Wenckebach) is often benign and does not always require treatment. However, Mobitz II is more dangerous and may require pacing.
Atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response (RVR) can be treated with synchronized cardioversion if the patient is unstable.
In unstable atrial fibrillation with RVR, synchronized cardioversion is appropriate. If stable, rate control with beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers is preferred.
The correct initial dose for biphasic defibrillation in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia is 50-100 J.
The recommended initial biphasic dose is 120-200 J. If unknown, use the highest available setting. Monophasic defibrillators use 360 J.
Hyperkalemia can cause tall, peaked T waves on an ECG.
Peaked T waves are an early ECG sign of hyperkalemia, which can progress to widened QRS and sine wave pattern before cardiac arrest.
Asystole is a shockable rhythm.
Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm. The correct treatment includes high-quality CPR, epinephrine, and addressing reversible causes.
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a shockable rhythm.
VF is a chaotic, disorganized rhythm that requires immediate defibrillation to restore a perfusing rhythm.
First-degree AV block is an indication for immediate pacing in ACLS.
First-degree AV block is usually benign and does not require pacing. Only symptomatic bradycardia or higher-degree AV blocks (Mobitz II, complete heart block) require pacing.
The most effective treatment for unstable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is synchronized cardioversion.
If an SVT patient is unstable (hypotension, altered mental status, shock), synchronized cardioversion is required. If stable, vagal maneuvers and adenosine are first-line.
Epinephrine should be administered every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest.
Epinephrine (1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes) is recommended to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion during CPR.
Adenosine is used to treat both supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (VT).
Adenosine is only effective for narrow-complex SVT and does not terminate VT. Amiodarone or procainamide are preferred for stable VT.
Lidocaine is the first-line antiarrhythmic for shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation.
Amiodarone (300 mg IV push, followed by 150 mg if needed) is first-line. Lidocaine is a second-line alternative.