You are called emergent to an 86-year-old male at a nursing home. Staff state they do not perform CPR due to liability. You find the patient unconscious, unresponsive, and not breathing.
1. Move the patient to the best location 2. Prepare for intubation 3. Start CPR 4. Check for a current DNR
Answer: Check for a DNR first. If none is present or known, begin CPR immediately.
1. Continue CPR and administer epinephrine 1:10,000 2. Defibrillate 200J 3. Synchronized cardioversion 4. Start pacing
Answer: This is ventricular fibrillation. Defibrillate (200J per AHA or manufacturer recommendation).
1. Continue CPR 2. Check monitor for rhythm 3. Feel for a pulse 4. Administer epinephrine 1:10,000
Answer: Resume CPR for 2 minutes before the next rhythm/pulse check.
1. Every 6–8 seconds 2. Every 3–5 seconds 3. 30:2 4. 15:2
Answer: 30:2 is the correct ratio for adults without an advanced airway.
1. Reversible causes 2. Termination of resuscitation 3. Contact medical control 4. Transport emergent
Answer: Consider and aggressively treat reversible causes (H’s & T’s). Termination decisions depend on protocol and conversion to asystole.