Question 1

For which of the following arrhythmias is an electronic pacemaker indicated?

Accepted Answer

A)  Third-degree heart block 
B)  Sinus tachycardia 
C)  First-degree heart block 
D)  Ventricular fibrillation

Question 2

What is the recommended upper time limit for any intubation attempt performed during CPR?

Accepted Answer

A)  10 sec 
B)  30 sec 
C)  60 sec 
D)  90 sec

Question 3

You enter a man's room and find him collapsed on the floor in a prone position. He is totally unresponsive, and there is no breathing. To properly institute procedures to secure his airway, what must you do first?

Accepted Answer

A)  Employ the log-roll technique to obtain a proper position. 
B)  Try to lift the patient and place him back on the bed. 
C)  Go to the nursing station and get an oral intubation tray. 
D)  Wait for the crash cart and cardiac arrest team to arrive.

Question 4

What is the best way to avoid gastric distention during artificial ventilation?

Accepted Answer

A)  Hyperextend the neck before each artificial breath. 
B)  Use inspiratory breaths with low to moderate flows. 
C)  Apply pressure over the cricoid during inspiration. 
D)  Apply constant pressure to the lower abdomen.

Question 5

How would you estimate the appropriate length for a nasopharyngeal airway?

Accepted Answer

A)  Subtract twice the diameter of the tube from its length. 
B)  Measure the distance from the earlobe to the Adam's apple. 
C)  Apply the estimating formula: length (cm) = 15 + (age ÷ 2). 
D)  Measure the distance from the earlobe to the tip of the nose.

Question 6

What is the first step in basic life support?

Accepted Answer

A)  Open the airway. 
B)  Activate the EMS system. 
C)  Determine unresponsiveness. 
D)  Restore circulation.

Question 7

During properly performed external chest compression on infants, how should the middle and index fingers be positioned?

Accepted Answer

A)  One finger width above the tip of the xiphoid 
B)  1.0 to 1.5 in above the tip of the xiphoid 
C)  1.0 to 1.5 in below the tip of the manubrium 
D)  Placed just below nipple line in center of chest

Question 8

Which of the following is false about oropharyngeal airways?

Accepted Answer

A)  Incorrect placement can worsen airway obstruction. 
B)  They all consist of a flange, body, and channel(s). 
C)  They should only be used by trained personnel. 
D)  They are contraindicated in children and infants.

Question 9

Which of the following drugs can be administered through an endotracheal tube during emergency life support?
1) Lidocaine HCl
2) Atropine sulfate
3) Epinephrine HCl
4) Dopamine HCl

Accepted Answer

A) 2 and 4 only 
B) 1, 3, and 4 only 
C) 1, 2, and 3 only 
D) 2 and 3 only

Question 10

To help open the airway of a conscious adult with complete airway obstruction, what would you do?

Accepted Answer

A)  Apply back blows, followed by chest thrusts. 
B)  Try to ventilate the victim at a high rate. 
C)  Decompress the stomach with epigastric pressure. 
D)  Apply repeated strong abdominal thrusts.

Question 11

During an attempt to insert a nasopharyngeal airway in a patient, you encounter an obstruction to further movement. What is the most appropriate action at this time?

Accepted Answer

A)  Use a stylet to force the nasopharyngeal airway in place. 
B)  Attempt to pass the airway through the opposite naris. 
C)  Use a tongue depressor to push the airway posteriorly. 
D)  Use Magill forceps to help guide the airway in place.

Question 12

How long will the apneic patient take to die without intervention?

Accepted Answer

A)  1 min 
B)  3 to 5 min 
C)  4 to 6 min 
D)  10 to 20 min

Question 13

What is the primary indication for dopamine in advanced cardiac life support?

Accepted Answer

A)  Ventricular tachycardia 
B)  Ventricular fibrillation 
C)  Hypotension with signs and symptoms of shock 
D)  Cardiogenic shock with CHF

Question 14

After successful initiation of mouth-to-mouth ventilation on an adult in respiratory arrest, you confirm the presence of a good pulse. At this point you would continue ventilation at what rate?

Accepted Answer

A)  8 to 10 breaths/min 
B)  10 to 12 breaths/min 
C)  12 to 15 breaths/min 
D)  15 to 20 breaths/min

Question 15

Which of the following statements is true about adult external cardiac compression?

Accepted Answer

A)  Compressions should displace the sternum at least 3 to 4 in. 
B)  Compressions should occur at a rate of 60 to 80/min. 
C)  Compression time should at least equal the upstroke phase. 
D)  Compressions can be safely interrupted for up to 50 sec.

Question 16

During single-rescuer CPR applied to infants or children, what is the proper ratio of compressions to ventilation?

Accepted Answer

A)  30 compressions for every breath 
B)  5 compressions for every two breaths 
C)  30 compressions for every two breaths 
D)  5 compressions for every breath

Question 17

What is the proper rate of external chest compressions for adults?

Accepted Answer

A)  40/min 
B)  60/min 
C)  80/min 
D)  100/min

Question 18

What is the most common problem with the use of bag-valve-mask resuscitators?

Accepted Answer

A)  Equipment failure 
B)  Nosocomial infection 
C)  Pulmonary barotrauma 
D)  Pulmonary hemorrhage

Question 19

How do oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways help to restore airway patency?

Accepted Answer

A)  Isolating or protecting the lower airway from aspiration 
B)  Displacing the soft palate and uvula posteriorly 
C)  Lifting and displacing the epiglottis anteriorly 
D)  Separating the tongue from the posterior pharyngeal wall

Question 20

During properly performed external chest compression on children under 8 years old or on large toddlers, how much should the sternum be compressed?

Accepted Answer

A)  0.5 in 
B)  1.0 in 
C)  2.0 in 
D)  3.0 in

Exam 37: Emergency Cardiovascular Life Support