05 Cardiovascular Emergencies and Resuscitation Free Online FlashCards

What findings indicate cardiac arrest?

Unresponsiveness, absent or abnormal breathing, and no definite pulse indicate cardiac arrest.

What are the adult CPR compression rate and minimum depth?

Compress at 100–120 per minute, to a depth of at least 2 in (5 cm), allow full recoil, and minimize pauses.

How does ventilation differ with and without an advanced airway?

Without an advanced airway, use 30:2 compressions to ventilations. With an advanced airway, continue compressions and ventilate once every 6 seconds.

What is the immediate priority for VF or pulseless VT?

Defibrillate promptly, then resume CPR immediately for 2 minutes before the next rhythm check. Do not delay the shock for medications or airway placement.

How are PEA and asystole treated during cardiac arrest?

Do not defibrillate. Resume CPR immediately and give epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO as soon as feasible, then every 3–5 minutes.

What can an abrupt ETCO₂ rise indicate during CPR?

A low ETCO₂ value alone is not a reason to stop resuscitation. An abrupt rise may signal return of spontaneous circulation.

Does a normal first ECG rule out acute coronary syndrome?

No. A normal first ECG does not exclude ACS; continue monitoring and reassessment when symptoms remain concerning.

What aspirin dose is recommended for suspected ACS when appropriate?

Give chewable aspirin 162–324 mg for suspected ACS unless contraindicated or already taken at an appropriate dose.

What should be checked before giving nitroglycerin for suspected ACS?

Check blood pressure and screen for contraindications, including hypotension, suspected right-ventricular infarction, and recent phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use. Symptom relief does not confirm ACS.

How should unstable tachycardia be treated?

Perform prompt synchronized cardioversion; sedate if feasible without delaying treatment. Use an unsynchronized shock if synchronization cannot be achieved or the rhythm is polymorphic.

What may be considered for stable, regular, narrow-complex tachycardia?

Consider vagal maneuvers, then adenosine per protocol. Adenosine is not for irregular rhythms or unstable patients.

How should an uncertain wide-complex tachycardia be approached?

If uncertain, presume ventricular tachycardia. Do not give verapamil or diltiazem for an undifferentiated wide-complex rhythm.