6 Cardiac Emergencies Free Online FlashCards

What signs can warn of poor perfusion?

Altered mental status, fainting, hypotension, cool or mottled skin, weak pulses, chest discomfort, and acute shortness of breath can signal poor perfusion.

When should cardiac arrest be suspected?

Suspect cardiac arrest when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Gasping is not normal breathing.

What is the recommended adult CPR compression rate?

For an adult, compress at 100–120 per minute, allow full chest recoil, minimize pauses, and avoid excessive ventilation.

Which cardiac-arrest rhythms are shockable?

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) are shockable cardiac-arrest rhythms.

What are key priorities after ROSC?

After return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), stabilize the airway, oxygenation, ventilation, and blood pressure; investigate the cause and arrange ongoing critical care.

What is shock, and what signs may indicate it?

Shock is inadequate tissue perfusion. Signs can include confusion, cool or clammy skin, weak pulses, delayed capillary refill, and reduced urine output.

Why can routine large fluid boluses be risky in cardiogenic shock?

Large routine fluid boluses may worsen pulmonary congestion when shock results from cardiac pump failure; fluid and vasoactive treatment require clinical judgment.

How does electrical treatment differ for unstable tachycardia and polymorphic VT?

Unstable tachyarrhythmia generally calls for urgent synchronized cardioversion. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia cannot be reliably synchronized and requires immediate unsynchronized defibrillation.

When is bradycardia treated, and what may follow ineffective atropine?

Treat bradycardia when it causes hemodynamic compromise, not merely because the rate is low. If atropine is ineffective, transcutaneous pacing or an IV rate-accelerating infusion may be used.

Does heart rate alone determine rhythm urgency?

A heart rate alone does not determine urgency; assess whether the rhythm is causing hemodynamic compromise or other serious symptoms.

How long should a trained responder check for a pulse?

A trained healthcare professional checks for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds. If no definite pulse is felt, start CPR and activate the emergency response system.

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

Without an advanced airway, give cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.