4 Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation Free Online FlashCards

When should you suspect adult cardiac arrest and activate help?

An unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally, including gasping, may be in cardiac arrest. Activate emergency response and obtain an AED or monitor-defibrillator.

How long should a healthcare professional check for a pulse?

A healthcare professional checks for a pulse for no more than $10$ seconds. If no definite pulse is felt—or you are unsure—begin CPR.

What is the recommended rate for adult chest compressions?

Compress the adult chest at $100\text{–}120$ compressions per minute.

What compression-to-breath ratio is used without an advanced airway?

Without an advanced airway, give $30$ compressions followed by $2$ breaths. Each breath should last about $1$ second and make the chest rise.

What should rescuers do immediately after an AED shock or “no shock advised”?

Use an AED as soon as it is available and follow its prompts. Immediately resume compressions after a shock or a “no shock advised” message.

Which cardiac-arrest rhythms are shockable?

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pulseless VT) are shockable rhythms.

What epinephrine dose and interval are used for shockable arrest?

For shockable VF or pulseless VT, give epinephrine $1\,\text{mg}$ IV/IO every $3\text{–}5$ minutes during resuscitation.

When should epinephrine be given for asystole or PEA?

For asystole or PEA, give epinephrine $1\,\text{mg}$ IV/IO as soon as possible, then every $3\text{–}5$ minutes.

What defibrillation energies are given for biphasic and monophasic devices?

For biphasic defibrillation, use the manufacturer’s recommended energy, often an initial $120\text{–}200\,\text{J}$; if unknown, use the maximum available. For monophasic defibrillation, use $360\,\text{J}$.

Give one example each of an H and a T reversible cause.

Examples include hypoxia (an H) and tension pneumothorax (a T). Search for and treat reversible causes without unnecessarily interrupting compressions or delaying defibrillation.

What signs suggest ROSC, and what care should follow?

Signs include a palpable pulse, purposeful movement, measurable blood pressure, or a sudden sustained rise in end-tidal CO₂. Confirm circulation, then support airway, oxygenation, ventilation, and blood pressure and evaluate the cause.

How deep should adult compressions be, and what should happen between them?

Compress at least $5\,\text{cm}$ deep, avoiding depths greater than $6\,\text{cm}$. Allow full chest recoil and do not lean between compressions.