RHYTHM RECOGNITION
This rhythm has no identifiable P waves, irregularly irregular R-R intervals, and a narrow QRS.
What is atrial fibrillation
The first-line drug used in cardiac arrest for asystole and PEA
What is epinephrine
These two rhythms are considered shockable in ACLS.
What are ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia
This target range is recommended for oxygen saturation post-ROSC
What is 94–99%?
The team member responsible for making treatment decisions during a code.
Who is the team leader
This is the only shockable pulseless rhythm with an organized electrical activity but no pulse.
What is pulseless ventricular tachycardia
The initial dose of amiodarone in pulseless VT/VF.
What is 300 mg IV/IO push
This shock modality is not effective for asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
What is defibrillation
A comatose patient after cardiac arrest should be evaluated for this type of seizure activity, even if no convulsions are seen.
What is non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE)
This principle emphasizes clear roles and responsibilities in resuscitation
What is closed-loop communication
This rhythm is defined by disorganized electrical activity and no identifiable waveforms
What is ventricular fibrillation
This antiarrhythmic is sometimes used in place of amiodarone for pulseless VT/VF when amiodarone is unavailable.
What is lidocaine
This is the maximum number of stacked shocks recommended in current ACLS guidelines
What is one (single shock followed by immediate CPR)
This lab value should be closely monitored and corrected during post-arrest care to optimize neurologic recovery.
What is blood glucose
High-quality CPR consists of compressions at this depth and rate
What is 2–2.4 inches (5–6 cm) deep at 100–120/min
This rhythm appears organized on the monitor but has no detectable pulse
What is pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
The preferred drug and dose for bradycardia if the patient is symptomatic
What is atropine 1 mg IV every 3-5 min (max 3 mg)
This type of shock is used to treat unstable SVT or atrial fibrillation.
What is synchronized cardioversion
This imaging test should be considered if the patient remains comatose after ROSC.
What is a brain CT scan
This term refers to continuously reevaluating and improving team performance
What is debriefing
This is the most common rhythm seen immediately after defibrillation in cardiac arrest
What is asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
This is the ACLS recommendation regarding routine use of sodium bicarbonate in cardiac arrest.
It is not recommended routinely unless specific indications exist (e.g., hyperkalemia or TCA overdose).
This step should immediately follow a shock in the cardiac arrest algorithm.
What is resume CPR for 2 minutes.
This is the ideal timeframe to get a 12-lead ECG after ROSC.
What is within 10 minutes.
This action should occur if a team member notices a critical erro
What is assertively speak up with concerns