ACLS-Study-Guide-2011 MADE EASY
ACLS-Study-Guide-2011 MADE EASY
ACLS-Study-Guide-2011 MADE EASY
See www.heart.org/eccstudent. The code is found in the ACLS Provider Manual page ii.
The ACLS Provider exam is 50-mutiple choice questions. Passing score is 84%. Student may miss 8 questions. For
students taking ACLS for the first time or renewing students with a current card, exam remediation is permitted should
student miss more than 8 questions on the exam. Viewing the ACLS book ahead of time with the online resources is
very helpful. The American Heart Association link is www.heart.org/eccstudent and has an ACLS Precourse SelfAssessment, supplementary written materials and videos. The code for the online resources is on the ACLS Provider
Manual page ii. Basic Dysrhythmias knowledge is required in relation to asystole, ventricular fibrillation, tachycardias
in general and bradycardias in general. Student does not need to know the ins and outs of each and every one. For
Tachycardias student need to differentiate wide complex (ventricular tachycardia) and narrow complex
(supraventricular tachycardia or SVT).
Stroke
Cincinnati Pre-Hospital Stroke Scale
Facial Droop, Arm Drift,
Abnormal Speech
Defibrillation
Bradycardia
Need to assess stable versus unstable.
If stable, monitor, observe, and consult.
If unstable. . .
Atropine 0.5mg IV. Can repeat Q3-5 minutes.
Maximum dose=3mg (Including heart blocks)
If Atropine ineffective
Transcutaneous pacing
Dopamine infusion (2-10mcg/kg/min)
Epinephrine infusion (2-10mcg/min)
Cardiac Arrest
Shockable Rhythms:
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) without pulse
Tamponade, cardiac
Tension pneumothorax
Toxins poisons, drugs
Thrombosis coronary (AMI) pulmonary (PE)
Points to Ponder
COMPRESSIONS are very important.
Rigor mortis is an indicator of termination of efforts.
Simple airway maneuvers, such as a head-tilt, may
help.
The Medical Emergency Teams (MET) can identify and
treat pre-arrest situations.
Consider terminating efforts after deterioration to
asystole and prolonged resuscitation time.