ACLS 2020 44 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2023
During post-cardiac arrest care, which is the recommended duration of targeted temperature
management after reaching the correct temperature range? - answer At least 24 hours
You are caring for a patient with a suspected stroke whose symptoms started 2 hours ago. The
CT scan was normal, with no signs of hemorrhage. The patient does not have any
contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy. Which treatment approach is best for this patient? -
answer Start fibrinolytic therapy as soon as possible
Which is one way to minimize interruptions in chest compressions during CPR? - answer
Continue CPR while the defibrillator charges
Which best describes the length of time it should take to perform a pulse check during the BLS
Assessment? - answer 5 to 10 seconds
You are evaluating a 58 year old man with chest pain. The BP is 92/50 and a heart rate of
92/min, non-labored respiratory rate is 14 breaths/min and the pulse O2 is 97%. What
assessment step is most important now? - answer Obtaining a 12-lead ECG
A 45yo man had coronary artery stents placed 2 days ago. Today,he is in severe distress and
reporting "crushing" chest discomfort. He is pale, diaphoretic, and cool to the touch. His radial
pulse is very weak, blood pressure is 64/40 mmHg, respiratory rate is 28 breaths/min, and O2
sat is 89% on room air. When applied, the cardiac monitor initially showed ventricular
tachycardia, which then quickly changed to ventricular fibrillation. Based on this patient's initial
presentation, which condition do you suspect led to the cardiac arrest? - answer Acute coronary
syndrome
A 45yo man had coronary artery stents placed 2 days ago. Today,he is in severe distress and
reporting "crushing" chest discomfort. He is pale, diaphoretic, and cool to the touch. His radial
pulse is very weak, blood pressure is 64/40 mmHg, respiratory rate is 28 breaths/min, and O2
sat is 89% on room air. When applied, the cardiac monitor initially showed ventricular
, tachycardia, which then quickly changed to ventricular fibrillation. In addition to defibrillation,
which intervention should be performed immediately? - answer Chest compressions
A 45yo man had coronary artery stents placed 2 days ago. Today,he is in severe distress and
reporting "crushing" chest discomfort. He is pale, diaphoretic, and cool to the touch. His radial
pulse is very weak, blood pressure is 64/40 mmHg, respiratory rate is 28 breaths/min, and O2
sat is 89% on room air. When applied, the cardiac monitor initially showed ventricular
tachycardia, which then quickly changed to ventricular fibrillation. Despite 2 defibrillation
attempts, the patient remains in vfib. which drug and dose should you administer first to this
patient? - answer Epinephrine 1 mg
A 45yo man had coronary artery stents placed 2 days ago. Today,he is in severe distress and
reporting "crushing" chest discomfort. He is pale, diaphoretic, and cool to the touch. His radial
pulse is very weak, blood pressure is 64/40 mmHg, respiratory rate is 28 breaths/min, and O2
sat is 89% on room air. When applied, the cardiac monitor initially showed ventricular
tachycardia, which then quickly changed to ventricular fibrillation. Despite the initial drug
provided after two shocks and continued CPR, the patient remains in ventricular fibrillation.
Which other drug should be administered next? - answer Amiodarone 300 mg
A 45yo man had coronary artery stents placed 2 days ago. Today,he is in severe distress and
reporting "crushing" chest discomfort. He is pale, diaphoretic, and cool to the touch. His radial
pulse is very weak, blood pressure is 64/40 mmHg, respiratory rate is 28 breaths/min, and O2
sat is 89% on room air. When applied, the cardiac monitor initially showed ventricular
tachycardia, which then quickly changed to ventricular fibrillation. The patient has return of
spontaneous circulation and is not able to follow commands. Which immediate post-cardiac
arrest care intervention do you choose for this patient? - answer Initiate targeted temperature
management
A 45yo man had coronary artery stents placed 2 days ago. Today,he is in severe distress and
reporting "crushing" chest discomfort. He is pale, diaphoretic, and cool to the touch. His radial
pulse is very weak, blood pressure is 64/40 mmHg, respiratory rate is 28 breaths/min, and O2
sat is 89% on room air. When applied, the cardiac monitor initially showed ventricular
tachycardia, which then quickly changed to ventricular fibrillation. Which would you have done
first if the patient had not gone into vfib? - answer Performed synchronized cardioversion