Random
What is the primary physiological effect of sodium bicarbonate when administered during cardiac arrest?
It buffers excess hydrogen ions to correct metabolic acidosis.
What is the primary mechanism of action of albuterol in the treatment of bronchospasm?
It is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that causes smooth muscle relaxation in the bronchioles, resulting in bronchodilation.
What is the primary difference between stable and unstable tachycardia?
Unstable tachycardia causes signs of poor perfusion such as hypotension, altered mental status, chest pain, or signs of shock.
What is the formula for calculating the normal systolic blood pressure in a child aged 1–10 years?
70 + (2 × age in years) = estimated normal systolic BP
What is the maximum time recommended on scene for a critically injured trauma patient before initiating transport
10 Minutes
What does the “R” wave represent on an ECG?
Ventricular depolarization (the contraction of the ventricles).
In patients with COPD, why should high-flow oxygen be administered cautiously?
It can decrease the patient’s hypoxic drive, leading to hypoventilation and CO₂ retention.
According to ACLS, what is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia, and what is the dose?
Atropine 1 mg IV/IO, repeated every 3–5 minutes up to a total of 3 mg.
What is the maximum single dose of epinephrine 1:1,000 (1 mg/mL) for pediatric anaphylaxis IM?
0.3 mg IM (0.01 mg/kg up to 0.3 mg)
In a suspected tension pneumothorax, what are the classic clinical signs?
Severe respiratory distress, hypotension, unilateral decreased breath sounds, and tracheal deviation (late sign)
What is the therapeutic range for maintaining systolic blood pressure in a patient with a suspected traumatic brain injury?
90 mmHg
What waveform capnography pattern is typically seen in a bronchospasm or asthma exacerbation?
A shark-fin (slanted upstroke) waveform due to prolonged exhalation and airflow obstruction.
What ECG finding distinguishes ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) from asystole?
V-fib shows chaotic, disorganized electrical activity with no identifiable QRS complexes, while asystole is a flat line with no electrical activity.
When performing bag-valve-mask ventilation on an infant, what is the appropriate ventilation rate if they have a pulse but are apneic?
One breath every 3–5 seconds (12–20 breaths per minute)
What is the preferred site and needle size for needle decompression in an adult?
5th intercostal space anterior axillary line per updated guidelines
According to ACLS guidelines, what is the first medication given for pulseless ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation & dose/ concentration
Epinephrine 1.0mg 1/10,000
When using CPAP, what is the typical starting pressure range for adult patients in respiratory distress?
5–10 cmH₂O depending on patient tolerance and response.
What is the dose and concentration of epinephrine used in cardiac arrest?
1 mg of 1:10,000 concentration IV/IO every 3–5 minutes.
What are the three components of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)?
Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation to Skin
What is the target systolic blood pressure (SBP) for permissive hypotension in a patient with uncontrolled hemorrhage and no head injury?
80–90 mmHg
What is the maximum single dose of adenosine that can be given for stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?
12mg
During intubation, what is the gold standard method for confirming proper endotracheal tube placement?
Continuous waveform capnography showing sustained CO₂ detection for multiple breaths.
What is the indication for synchronized cardioversion versus defibrillation?
Synchronized cardioversion is used for unstable tachyarrhythmias with a pulse, while defibrillation is used for pulseless rhythms like V-fib or pulseless V-tach.
What is the first-line medication and dose for febrile seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes?
Midazolam 0.1 mg/kg IV/IO (or 0.2 mg/kg IN/IM if no IV access)
What is the fluid resuscitation guideline for a burn patient using the Parkland formula?
4 mL × body weight (kg) × %TBSA burned; give half in the first 8 hours, the rest over 16 hours