Pharmacology Flashcard 4
Rationale
C. Rationale: Amiodarone is given after providing three shocks to a cardiac arrest patient in VF or pVT. The initial dose is 300 mg IV followed by a 10 mL normal saline flush. Subsequent doses can be given at a lower dose of 150 mg if the first dose is ineffective.
Question
Which one of the following medications for CPR is used for shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation?
a. Epinephrine
b. Magnesium sulfate
c. Amiodarone
d. Dobutamine
Answer
c. Amiodarone
Rationale
C. Rationale: Emergency cardiovascular care guidelines suggest that epinephrine should be used as early as possible as a resuscitation drug for asystole.
Question
You are resuscitating a patient with the following arrest rhythm:
The team has performed 3 rounds of high-quality CPR and 3 IV boluses of epinephrine 1 mg. What other pharmacologic therapy can you give the patient to improve the chances of return of spontaneous circulation?
a. Vasopressin 40 units on the second pharmacologic intervention
b. Amiodarone 300 mg IV bolus on the fourth pharmacologic intervention
c. Only epinephrine 1 mg IV bolus is used
d. Adenosine 6 mg IV bolus
Answer
c. Only epinephrine 1 mg IV bolus is used
Rationale
C. Rationale: Vasopressors are used to improve cardiac output and perfusion to the heart and brain.
Question
Your team leader orders you to give vasopressors IV while attempting to revive a patient with cardiac arrest secondary to status asthmaticus. Vasopressors are used to:
a. Decrease perfusion to the brain
b. Increase ventilation to the lungs
c. Improve cardiac output
d. Improve oxygenation of the blood
Answer
c. Improve cardiac output