Cardiac Arrest Crisis
This is the very first action when you find a patient unresponsive and pulseless.
What is initiate high‑quality CPR?
Sudden facial droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech are classic signs remembered by this acronym.
What is FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time)?
The first‑line medication for acute asthma exacerbation, delivered via nebulizer or inhaler.
What is albuterol (short‑acting beta‑agonist)?
Fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and altered mental status are classic signs of this systemic emergency.
What is sepsis?
Black tarry stools are the hallmark of this type of GI bleed.
What is melena (upper GI bleed)?
If the rhythm is ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, this intervention must be performed immediately.
What is defibrillation?
The first imaging study ordered in suspected stroke to rule out hemorrhage.
What is a non‑contrast CT of the head?
This anticholinergic bronchodilator is often combined with albuterol in severe exacerbations.
What is ipratropium?
The first lab test you should order to identify the causative organism.
What are blood cultures?
The very first stabilization step in suspected GI bleed.
What is securing IV access and fluid resuscitation?
This medication is given every 3–5 minutes during cardiac arrest to improve coronary perfusion.
What is epinephrine?
This clot‑busting medication can be given in ischemic stroke if within the treatment window and no contraindications.
What is tPA (alteplase)?
This class of medication, given orally or IV, reduces airway inflammation during exacerbations.
What are corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone)?
The initial fluid resuscitation recommendation is this volume per kilogram of crystalloid.
What is 30 mL/kg?
This lab test is critical to monitor ongoing blood loss and guide transfusion.
What is hemoglobin/hematocrit?
After return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), this is the most important next step to prevent secondary brain injury.
What is optimizing oxygenation and blood pressure (post‑ROSC care)?
Large vessel occlusions may require this interventional procedure beyond tPA.
What is mechanical thrombectomy?
In life‑threatening asthma, this IV electrolyte can be administered to relax bronchial smooth muscle.
What is magnesium sulfate?
This class of medications must be started within the first hour of suspected sepsis.
What are broad‑spectrum antibiotics?
In upper GI bleed, this diagnostic and therapeutic procedure is the gold standard.
What is endoscopy (EGD)?
In the ACLS algorithm, reversible causes of cardiac arrest are remembered by this mnemonic.
What are the H’s and T’s (hypoxia, hypovolemia, hydrogen ion/acidosis, hypo/hyperkalemia, hypothermia; toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax, thrombosis coronary, thrombosis pulmonary)?
Name two critical post‑stroke management priorities after reperfusion therapy to prevent secondary brain injury.
What are blood pressure control and optimizing oxygenation/glucose levels?
Name two critical interventions if the patient is tiring, hypoxic, and not responding to medications.
What are endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation?
If hypotension persists after fluids, this type of medication is required to maintain perfusion.
What are vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine)?
Name two pharmacologic treatments for upper GI bleed prior to endoscopy.
What are IV proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and octreotide (for suspected variceal bleed)?