Cardiac Emergencies

Question 1

What are the types of cardiac arrest rhythms?

Answer 1

Shockable Rhythms:
* Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
* Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Non-Shockable Rhythms:
* Asystole
* Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)

Shockable rhythms can be treated with defibrillation, while non-shockable rhythms require alternative management strategies.

Question 2

Name two other cardiac emergencies aside from cardiac arrest.

Answer 2

Acute Coronary Syndromes
* Bradycardia with a Pulse
* Tachycardia with a Pulse
* Suspected Stroke

These conditions require immediate medical attention and intervention.

Question 3

What does ACLS stand for?

Answer 3

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

ACLS training is essential for healthcare providers to effectively manage cardiac emergencies.

Question 4

What is the indication for administering Epinephrine?

Answer 4

VF/pulseless VT, Asystole/PEA, Bradycardia, Stable VT

Epinephrine is crucial in resuscitation efforts during cardiac arrest.

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of Epinephrine?

Answer 5

Alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist, stimulates cardiac contractions, increases SVR and coronary blood flow

This mechanism helps improve perfusion during cardiac arrest.

Question 6

What are the adverse effects of Epinephrine?

Answer 6

Increased myocardial workload, potential myocardial ischemia

Monitoring for these effects is important during administration.

Question 7

What is the alternative medication to Epinephrine for VF/pulseless VT?

Answer 7

Vasopressin

Vasopressin can be used as an alternative in specific scenarios.

Question 8

What is the mechanism of Amiodarone?

Answer 8

Prolongs refractory period in cardiac tissue

This action helps stabilize abnormal heart rhythms.

Question 9

What are the indications for Lidocaine?

Answer 9

VF/pulseless VT (alternative to Amiodarone)

Lidocaine is used when Amiodarone is contraindicated or not available.

Question 10

What is the mechanism of Atropine?

Answer 10

Vagolytic agent that increases heart rate

Atropine is particularly useful in symptomatic bradycardia.

Question 11

What is the indication for Dopamine?

Answer 11

Unstable bradycardia or hypotension

Dopamine is used to improve hemodynamics in these patients.

Question 12

What are the adverse effects of Dopamine?

Answer 12

Tachy-arrhythmias, potential tissue necrosis

Continuous monitoring is essential when administering Dopamine.

Question 13

What is the mechanism of Adenosine?

Answer 13

Slows AV nodal conduction

This effect is useful for treating certain types of tachycardia.