Scenario: A patient is found unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. CPR is in progress.

Initial Assessment:

• Responsiveness: Unresponsive
• Breathing: Apneic (not breathing)
• Pulse: No pulse palpated
• Rhythm (on monitor): Asystole

Actions:

CPR is ongoing.

Questions:

1. What is the appropriate initial treatment for asystole?

   • a) Epinephrine
   • b) Defibrillation
   • c) Amiodarone
   • d) Magnesium sulfate

2. What is the correct dose and route of epinephrine in this situation?

   • a) 0.5 mg IM
   • b) 1 mg IV/IO
   • c) 2 mg IV/IO
   • d) 0.3 mg subcutaneous

3. If, after 2 minutes of CPR and epinephrine, the rhythm changes to ventricular fibrillation (VF), what is the next step?

   • a) Administer another dose of epinephrine.
   • b) Deliver a shock with the defibrillator.
   • c) Administer amiodarone.
   • d) Continue CPR only.