What is the first step in managing tachycardia according to ACLS?
A) Start antiarrhythmic infusion immediately
B) Assess patient stability (symptomatic vs. stable)
C) Give synchronized cardioversion
D) Start chest compressions
Answer: B) Assess patient stability (symptomatic vs. stable)
In the ACLS algorithm, what is considered “unstable tachycardia”?
A) HR > 120 bpm
B) Chest pain, hypotension, altered mental status, signs of shock, acute heart failure
C) Palpitations only
D) HR > 200 bpm
Answer: B) Chest pain, hypotension, altered mental status, signs of shock, acute heart failure
What is the treatment for unstable tachycardia?
A) Synchronized cardioversion
B) Adenosine
C) Amiodarone bolus
D) Observation only
Answer: A) Synchronized cardioversion
Answer: C) Adenosine (6 mg → 12 mg if needed)
For stable wide-complex tachycardia (regular), what drug can be given?
A) Adenosine (may be considered if regular & monomorphic)
B) Amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 min
C) Procainamide infusion
D) All of the above
Stable wide regular and monomorphic consider Adenosine first
Answer: B) 30:2 (for both 1- and 2-rescuer CPR)
What is the recommended compression depth for adults during CPR?
A) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C) At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D) As deep as possible
Answer: C) At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Answer: B) 100–120/min
How often should rescuers switch roles to avoid fatigue in 2-rescuer adult CPR?
A) Every 1 minute
B) Every 2 minutes (about 5 cycles of 30:2)
C) Every 5 minutes
D) Only if one rescuer feels tired
Answer: B) Every 2 minutes (about 5 cycles)
What is the compression-to-breath ratio for children and infants in 1-rescuer BLS CPR?
A) 15:2
B) 30:2
C) 5:1
D) Continuous compressions
Answer: B) 30:2
Answer: A) 15:2
What is the recommended compression depth for children?
A) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) At least 2 inches (5 cm), but less than adult depth
C) At least one-third the AP diameter of the chest (~2 inches/5 cm)
D) At least 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Answer: C) At least one-third the AP diameter (~2 inches/5 cm)
What is the recommended compression depth for infants?
A) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C) At least one-third the AP diameter (~1.5 inches/4 cm)
D) Same as adults
Answer: C) At least one-third the AP diameter (~1.5 inches/4 cm)
What is the preferred technique for infant compressions in 2-rescuer CPR?
A) One-hand heel compressions
B) Two-thumb–encircling hands technique
C) Two fingers on the sternum
D) Palm compressions like adults
Answer: B) Two-thumb–encircling hands technique
Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is most commonly associated with which condition?
A) Congenital long QT syndrome
B) Electrolyte disturbances (low Mg²⁺, K⁺)
C) Acute ischemia/MI
D) Brugada syndrome
Answer: C) Acute ischemia/MI
(But remember: torsades and other etiologies like electrolyte abnormalities, drugs, and congenital syndromes must also be considered.)
Which statement correctly matches the etiology of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
A) Normal QT → most often due to congenital long QT syndrome
B) Prolonged QT → most often ischemia-related (acute MI)
C) Normal QT → most often ischemia-related (acute MI)
D) Prolonged QT → rarely due to electrolyte or drug causes
Answer: C) Normal QT → ischemia-related (acute MI).
📌 Board-style distinction:
Polymorphic VT with normal QT → often ischemia-related (acute MI).
Polymorphic VT with prolonged QT (torsades) → usually electrolyte/drug/congenital.
What is the first-line treatment for torsades de pointes (polymorphic VT with prolonged QT)?
A) Amiodarone IV bolus
B) Procainamide infusion
C) IV Magnesium sulfate 1–2 g over 15 minutes
D) Synchronized cardioversion only
Answer: C) IV Magnesium sulfate 1–2 g over 15 minutes
A patient develops stable AFib with RVR (HR 150) during IV sedation in your oral surgery office. BP is stable, patient is alert. What is the MOST appropriate first step?
A) Immediate synchronized cardioversion
B) Start amiodarone bolus and infusion
C) Stop the procedure, provide oxygen/monitoring, call EMS for transfer
D) Give IV diltiazem 20 mg bolus immediately
Answer: C) Stop the procedure, provide oxygen/monitoring, call EMS for transfer
In the hospital/ACLS setting, what is the FIRST-LINE pharmacologic treatment for stable AFib with RVR?
A) Epinephrine 1 mg IV
B) IV metoprolol or IV diltiazem
C) Synchronized cardioversion
D) IV amiodarone as first-line
Answer: B) IV metoprolol or IV diltiazem
What is the correct IV dosing for metoprolol in stable AFib with RVR (hospital setting)?
A) 1 mg IV every minute for 15 min
B) 2.5–5 mg IV over 2 min, may repeat q5 min up to 15 mg total
C) 10 mg IV bolus every 10 min, no max dose
D) Continuous infusion 5 mg/min until rate controlled
Answer: B) 2.5–5 mg IV over 2 min, may repeat q5 min up to 15 mg total
What is the mechanism of action of Tranexamic Acid (TXA)?
A) Promotes platelet release of thromboxane A2
B) Directly converts fibrinogen to fibrin
C) Blocks conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, inhibiting fibrinolysis
D) Provides a scaffold for clot formation
Answer:
C) Blocks conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, inhibiting fibrinolysis
Which hemostatic agent acts by providing a scaffold for platelet aggregation and clot formation?
A) Tranexamic Acid
B) Gelfoam (Absorbable Gelatin Sponge)
C) Surgicel (Oxidized Cellulose)
D) Collagen Plug
Answer:
B) Gelfoam (Absorbable Gelatin Sponge)
Which topical agent achieves hemostasis by oxidizing hemoglobin, forming a brown/black artificial clot, and has mild bactericidal properties due to its low pH?
A) Surgicel (Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose)
B) Gelfoam
C) Tranexamic Acid
D) Epinephrine-soaked gauze
Answer:
A) Surgicel (Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose)
Which absorbable local hemostatic agent is completely resorbed in about 4–6 weeks?
A) Tranexamic Acid
B) Gelfoam
C) Surgicel
D) Bone wax
Answer:
B) Gelfoam