Pass ACLS Tip of the Day

Hypothermic patients aren't dead until they are warm and dead.

When a patient’s core body temperature drops below 96.8 F (36 C), they are hypothermic.  As the body’s temperature drops below 36 C, hypo…

Calcium is one of the ions that move across the cellular membrane during cardiac contraction and relaxation.

The primary use of calcium channel blockers in ACLS.

Use of calcium channel blockers for SVT…

The goal of CPR is to keep the brain and vital organs perfused until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved.

Post-arrest care and recovery are the final two links in the chain of surviva…

Nitroglycerine is vasodilator that affects peripheral blood vessels and coronary arteries.

Because of its widespread dilation effects on blood vessels, nitro can quickly lower a patient’s blood pressu…

In atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) and atrial flutter (A-Flutter) the electrical impulse for cardiac contraction is in the atria but isn't the normal pacemaker of the heart, the SA node.

The ECG characte…

As an ACLS provider you do not need to be familiar with all of the different signs of various types of poisoning.  You should be able to obtain a history and know to order toxicology.

The majority of …

The ACLS algorithms are designed to make it easier to remember the key interventions we should deliver, and the order in which they should be delivered, to provide the best evidence-based care possib…

Beta blocking medications attach to Beta receptors to inhibit or “block” the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine in the body.

The primary locations of Beta I, II, and III receptors.

…

This episode we review the use of advanced airways in the adult cardiac arrest algorithm.

When we should consider insertion of an advanced airway for patients in a shockable vs non-shockable rhythm.

In…

Our primary focus immediately following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is aimed at ensuring adequate perfusion of the patient’s vital organs and decreasing cerebral damage.

Post-arrest goals…

Hydrogen ions is on one of the Hs in ACLS's H&T reversible causes of cardiac arrest.  When considering hydrogen ions as a cause, what we’re looking at is the patient’s pH, or acid/base balance, and c…

Being the team leader during a cardiac arrest is challenging.  Using an algorithm helps by standardizing & prioritizing our interventions using an If/Then methodology.

Review of BLS steps for determi…

For patients exhibiting symptoms consistent with myocardial ischemia, Aspirin is the first medications we should consider along with morphine, oxygen, and nitroglycerine; if indicated & safe.

Aspirin…

To pass ACLS, you will need to be able to identify common rhythms on a monitor during your mega code and ECG strips on your written exam.

If you don't normally monitor patients as part of your job, I …

In the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm, we should administer an antiarrhythmic medication to patients in V-Fib or pulseless ventricular tachycardia approximately two minutes after the first dose of ep…

The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious patient.

For patients with a decreased level of consciousness that can't control their airway, yet have an intact gag reflex, the nas…

When blood, or other fluids, accumulate in the sac around the heart it’s called a cardiac tamponade or pericardial tamponade.

The effects of tamponade on the electrical system and chambers of the hear…

Two things have changed in recent years to aid students that don't use ACLS in their daily practice.

1.  The role of the team leader; and

2.  The ability to use your quick reference cards.

The team lead…

Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation.

The most common dysrhythmia present du…

Quantitative waveform capnography is used in ACLS

• to objectively assess good CPR;
• confirm placement of an endotracheal tube;
• identify return of spontaneous circulation; and
• during post-cardiac arrest …