5
Which diagnostic test should be prioritized to determine the cause of the bradycardia?
A patient in the cardiac care unit with a known history of heart failure develops sudden bradycardia, followed by a drop in blood pressure and eventual cardiac arrest.
Hint: Medication toxicity is a common cause of bradycardia leading to arrest.
6
Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely responsible for this condition?
During a night shift, a nurse notices a patient becoming increasingly agitated, followed by a rapid decline into cardiac arrest. The team arrives to find the ECG showing torsades de pointes.
Hint: Low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) along with another electrolyte can lead to Torsades de pointes.
8
Which of the following factors would indicate a poor prognosis, leading to consideration of stopping resuscitation efforts?
A patient in the intensive care unit has been in cardiac arrest for 15 minutes. Despite ongoing resuscitation efforts, there is no ROSC.
Hint: This lab value indicates poor tissue perfusion and ongoing metabolic derangement.
10
Which of the following treatments is most likely to NOT reverse cardiac arrest?
A patient in the emergency department suffers a cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose. The ECG shows Second Degree Type 2 Heart Block, however, the patient does not have a pulse.
Hint: Consider the intervention that is not indicated in PEA.
