CPR
What does CPR stand for, and when it should be performed?
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It should be performed when a person is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally.
What is a peak level in medication monitoring?
The highest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream after it has been administered.
What additive is found in a lavender (purple) top tube, and what is it used for?
EDTA; it is used for hematology tests such as CBC.
Which lab test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets?
Complete Blood Count (CBC).
What is coagulation?
The process of blood clotting to stop bleeding.
What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for adult CPR?
30 compressions to 2 breaths (30:2).
What is a trough level in medication monitoring?
The lowest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream, usually measured right before the next dose.
Which tube is commonly used for coagulation studies like PT and aPTT?
Light blue top tube (contains sodium citrate).
Which lab test is used to measure blood glucose levels?
Blood glucose test (or fasting blood sugar test).
Which tube is used for coagulation tests?
Light blue top tube (contains sodium citrate).
Where should you place your hands when performing chest compressions on an adult?
In the center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum.
When should a trough level be collected?
Immediately before the next scheduled dose of medication.
What is the purpose of the additive in a green top tube?
Heparin; it prevents clotting by inhibiting thrombin and is used for chemistry tests.
What lab test is commonly used to assess kidney function?
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine.
What does the Prothrombin Time (PT) test measure?
It measures how long it takes blood to clot and evaluates the extrinsic pathway.
How deep should chest compressions be for an adult during CPR?
At least 2 inches (5 cm) deep, but not more than 2.4 inches.
When is the best time to collect a peak level for most medications?
Shortly after the medication has been administered and fully absorbed (timing depends on the route, often 30 minutes to 1 hour after IV or IM administration).
Which tube contains no additive or may contain a clot activator and is used for serum testing?
Red top tube (or gold/SST if it contains clot activator and gel separator).
Which lab test evaluates how well blood is clotting?
Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
What does the Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) test measure?
It measures how long it takes blood to clot and evaluates the intrinsic pathway.
What should you do if an AED becomes available during CPR?
Turn on the AED immediately, follow the prompts, and continue CPR as instructed.
Why are peak and trough levels important in patient care?
They help ensure the medication is at a therapeutic level—high enough to be effective but low enough to avoid toxicity.
Why is it important to follow the correct order of draw when collecting blood tubes?
To prevent cross-contamination of additives, which can affect test results
Which lab test is used to check liver function?
Liver function tests (LFTs), such as AST and ALT.
Why is it important to fill a light blue tube to the correct level?
To maintain the proper blood-to-anticoagulant ratio for accurate coagulation test results.