Chapter 17- Performing Defibrilation

Question 1

What should you do first if you witness a patient’s cardiac arrest?

Answer 1

Begin CPR starting with chest compressions

Question 2

When should you attach the AED during a cardiac arrest?

Answer 2

As soon as it is available

Question 3

What should you do after turning on the AED?

Answer 3

Follow the instructions to analyze and deliver shocks to the patient

Question 4

Why is it important to minimize the time without chest compressions?

Answer 4

Research has shown the best survival rates for patients with the least interruption in compressions

Question 5

What should the person performing compressions do at each defibrillation?

Answer 5

Switch places with the person providing ventilations

Question 6

What is the immediate action after each defibrillation?

Answer 6

Resume CPR with compressions first

Question 7

Fill in the blank: At each defibrillation, the person performing compressions should _______.

Answer 7

[switch places with the person providing ventilations]

Question 8

True or False: It is acceptable to take long breaks between chest compressions during CPR.

Answer 8

False

Question 10

What should you assess to determine the effectiveness of chest compressions during bystander CPR?

Answer 10

Palpating for a carotid or femoral pulse.

Question 11

What action should you take if you feel a pulse while performing chest compressions?

Answer 11

Leave your fingers in that position and stop compressions.

Question 12

What is important to limit during CPR?

Answer 12

The amount of time compressions are interrupted.

Question 13

What should you not do if the patient is responsive?

Answer 13

Apply the AED.

Question 14

What is the compression to breath ratio for CPR if it has not been started yet?

Answer 14

30 compressions to two breaths.

Question 15

What is the recommended rate of chest compressions per minute?

Answer 15

100 to 120 compressions per minute.

Question 16

Why are high-quality compressions important?

Answer 16

They provide the best cardiac output.

Question 17

What is the first step when using an AED?

Answer 17

Turn on the AED.

Question 18

Where should the AED pads be applied on the patient’s chest?

Answer 18

One just to the right of the breastbone below the collarbone, the other on the left lower chest area 2 to 3 inches below the armpit.

Question 19

What should you do if the patient is a woman regarding AED pad placement?

Answer 19

Do not place the pads on top of breast tissue; move the breast out of the way if necessary.

Question 20

What is the purpose of the Analyze button on the AED?

Answer 20

To determine whether a shockable rhythm is present.

Question 21

What should you do when the AED instructs you to stop CPR?

Answer 21

Stop CPR.

Question 22

What should you state aloud before delivering a shock with the AED?

Answer 22

“Clear the patient.”

Question 23

What should you ensure before pushing the Shock button on the AED?

Answer 23

That no one is touching the patient.

Question 24

What should you do if a shock is not advised by the AED?

Answer 24

Perform five cycles (about 2 minutes) of CPR.

Question 25

What is ROSC?

Answer 25

Return of spontaneous circulation; defined as the return of a pulse and effective blood flow to the body in a patient who was previously in cardiac arrest.

Question 26

How quickly should you assess for a pulse when the AED advises to check the patient?

Answer 26

This should not take longer than 10 seconds.

Question 28

What should be done immediately after a shock is delivered?

Answer 28

Resume CPR, beginning with chest compressions ## Footnote Change to a different person for chest compressions each time CPR is paused to prevent rescuer fatigue.

Question 29

How long should chest compressions be uninterrupted during CPR?

Answer 29

No more than 10 seconds ## Footnote After five cycles (about 2 minutes) of CPR, reanalyze the patient's cardiac rhythm.

Question 30

What is the next step after performing five cycles of CPR?

Answer 30

Reanalyze the patient's cardiac rhythm ## Footnote This is referred to as Step 5.

Question 31

What should be done if the AED advises no shock but the patient has a pulse?

Answer 31

Check the patient's breathing ## Footnote If breathing adequately, give oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and transport.

Question 32

If the patient is not breathing adequately, what should be provided?

Answer 32

Artificial ventilation with a bag-mask device or pocket mask device ## Footnote This should be attached to 100% oxygen and transport should follow.

Question 33

What should be ensured when providing artificial ventilation?

Answer 33

Proper airway techniques are used at all times

Question 34

What is the first action to take if the patient has no pulse?

Answer 34

Perform five cycles of CPR beginning with chest compressions ## Footnote Each cycle lasts approximately 2 minutes.

Question 35

What should be done after delivering a shock if the AED advises it?

Answer 35

Immediately resume CPR, beginning with chest compressions

Question 36

What should be repeated if the patient has no pulse and the AED advises no shock?

Answer 36

Five cycles of CPR followed by reanalyzing the patient's cardiac rhythm ## Footnote If no shock is advised, continue CPR.

Question 37

What is the protocol for transporting the patient?

Answer 37

Transport the patient and contact medical control as needed