Cardiac Arrest Basics
What is the recommended chest compression rate for adult CPR?
100–120/min
When using a bag-mask device without an advanced airway, how often should breaths be given?
Every 6 seconds
Standard epinephrine dose during cardiac arrest?
1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 minutes
Is asystole a shockable rhythm?
No
What blood pressure goal is recommended after ROSC?
SBP ≥90 mmHg or MAP ≥65 mmHg
What is the recommended chest compression depth for adults?
At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
A sudden rise in ETCO₂ during CPR may indicate this event.
Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
Second-line antiarrhythmic after defibrillation failure in VF/pVT?
Amiodarone (or lidocaine)
What rhythm has organized electrical activity but no palpable pulse?
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
A trauma patient with massive bleeding arrests in PEA. Which H should be assumed?
Hypovolemia
How often should compressors switch during CPR to prevent fatigue?
Every 2 minutes
After placement of an advanced airway, do compressions pause for ventilation?
No—continuous compressions with breaths every 6 seconds
Total maximum atropine dose for symptomatic bradycardia?
3mg
Wide-complex tachycardia with no pulse is treated as what rhythm?
Pulseless VT
ROSC achieved, ETCO₂ drops from 40 to 18 mmHg — what does this suggest?
Decreased perfusion or impending re-arrest
This is the maximum time CPR should be interrupted for rhythm checks or shocks.
Less than 10 seconds
What is the preferred method to confirm advanced airway placement?
Continuous waveform capnography
What is the initial dose of amiodarone for refractory VF/VT?
300 mg IV/IO bolus
A post-ROSC ECG shows ST elevation in leads II, III, aVF. What is the next priority?
Immediate cath lab activation
What is the leading cause of death in patients who initially achieve ROSC?
Neurologic injury
What rhythm is shockable during cardiac arrest?
Ventricular fibrillation, pulseless VT & Torsade's de pointe
Once an advanced airway is placed, how should ventilations be delivered?
1 breath every 6 seconds with continuous compressions
What do you give for Torsades de pointes, and what is the dose?
1–2 grams IV/IO
Dilute in 10 mL D5W
Give over 5–20 minutes
What rhythm commonly mimics asystole and must be ruled out before termination?
Fine ventricular fibrillation
Sudden collapse, PEA arrest, unilateral breath sounds, JVD — what is the cause and treatment?
Tension pneumothorax → needle decompression