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ACLS Glossary

A collection of 20 posts

Online ACLS Certification – Frequently Asked Questions

Online ACLS Certification – Frequently Asked Questions

Obtaining your Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification via traditional methods, like sitting in a classroom for hours on end, can be a challenge for a number of reasons. Thankfully, a growing number of hospitals and health care facilities are now allowing their employees to complete their ACLS certification right

What is Quantitative Waveform Capnography?

What is Quantitative Waveform Capnography?

Quantitative waveform capnography involves the continuous, non-invasive measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide / ETCO2, also known as PetCO2. Quantitative waveform capnography is one of the many critical topics covered in ACLS.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is a vasopressor used in ACLS to treat a number of conditions including cardiac arrest, bradycardia and anaphylaxis. Epinephrine acts in the body as a hormone and neurotransmitter to regulate the heart rate and the diameter of blood vessels.

Primary ACLS Survey (ABCDE)

Primary ACLS Survey (ABCDE)

The Primary Assessment is utilized either on an unconscious patient after a BLS assessment or on a conscious patient where the BLS assessment is not typically required (in the case of cardiac or respiratory arrest). The primary ACLS survey is included in every ACLS algorithm. The Primary Survey uses the

Amiodarone

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic agent used in ACLS to treat VF or pulseless VT that does not respond to treatment with defibrillation, CPR, or vasopressors.

Hydrogen Ions (Acidosis)

Hydrogen Ions (Acidosis)

Acidosis (Hydrogen Ions) is an improper pH level caused by too much acid (lactic acidosis) in the body. Acidosis can be either respiratory or metabolic.

Atropine

Atropine is an antimuscarinic medication used in ACLS to treat Bradycardia. Atropine functions in reversing cholinergic-mediated slowing of the heart rate.

Hypokalemia (Potassium)

Hypokalemia (Potassium)

Hypokalemia is too little (hypo) potassium in the body. Hypokalemia can be identified with flattened T-waves, prominent U-waves and occasionally-widened QRS-waves.

Hypovolemia

What is Hypovolemia? A sudden and significant decrease in the volume of blood and fluids in the body. What are the Potential Causes of Hypovolemia? • Blood loss (external or internal) • Inadequate intake of fluids • Excessive vomiting of diarrhea What are the Indicators of Hypovolemia? • ECG: Rapid rate with narrow QRS

Hyperkalemia (Potassium)

Hyperkalemia (Potassium)

Hyperkalemia is too much (hyper) potassium in the body. Excess potassium levels can contribute to cardiac arrest. The main indicator for Hyperkalemia or excess potassium is a patient showing tall, peaked T-waves.

Hypoxia

Hypoxia is when the body is deprived of a sufficient supply of oxygen. It is a contributing cause to cardiac arrest. Adequate ventilation and oxygenation is vital to reverse Hypoxia.

Lidocaine

Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic agent utilized in ACLS to treat VT/VF if amiodarone is not available. Lidocain has been in use for many years, but has no proven efficacy in the short or long term treatment of patients in cardiac arrest.

Dopamine

Dopamine is an vasopressor used in ACLS to treat Bradycardia and Hypotension. Dopamine acts as a second-line drug specifically when Atropine fails or is inappropriate.

Adenosine

Adenosine is an ACLS drug that causes a short-term blockade of the AV node within the heart which with patients with SVT, can restore normal sinus rhythms.

Tension Pneumothorax

Tension Pneumothorax

Tension Pneumothorax is when air enters the pleural space (small area between the thin covering that cushions the lungs) but is unable to exit, causing a buildup. The buildup causes a shift in the intrathoracic structure which can lead to cardiac arrest.

Tamponade (Cardiac)

Tamponade (Cardiac)

Tamponade is a condition in which fluid or blood accumulates in the pericardium. The buildup puts pressure on the heart and prevents proper pumping of the blood which can lead to cardiac arrest.

Thrombosis (Coronary)

Thrombosis (Coronary)

Thrombosis Coronary is a blockage in the coronary artery caused by a blood clot. The clot can cause an acute myocardial infarction.

Thrombosis (Pulmonary Embolus)

Thrombosis (Pulmonary Embolus)

Thrombosis Pulmonary or Pulmonary Embolism is a blockage to the pulmonary artery in the lungs leading to cardiac arrest.

Hypothermia

What is Hypothermia? Hypothermia is when the body loses the ability to keep itself warm (occurs when body temperature drops below 95˙ F (35˙ C)). Defibrillation, CPR, or any drug therapy may prove to be ineffective for a hypothermic patient. Hence, the primary objective would be to warm the body.

Toxins

Toxins refer to an accidental or intentional overdose of a drug or medication or ingestion of a toxin. Toxins are one of the most common reasons for cardiac arrest.