Pass ACLS Tip of the Day

The use of calcium channel blocker medications for tachycardias refractory to Adenosine and to lower the blood pressure of hypertensive stroke patients.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 refractory to Adenosine and A-Fib or A-Flutter with RVR.Contraindications of calcium channel blockers.Nicardipine use during the treatment of ischemic strokes.For more information on ACLS medications, tachycardia, or stroke check out the pod resource page at passacls.com.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Review the indications, contraindications, and safe administration of nitroglycerine to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients with ischemic chest pain.Nitroglycerine’s effects.Assessment of vital signs prior to administering nitro.Indications for use of nitroglycerine.Nitroglycerine's contraindications & considerations for use.Use of nitro with patients taking PDE inhibitors.Administration of nitroglycerine to patients with ischemic chest pain.Considerations for patients that took their home nitroglycerine.Monitoring patient's pain and vital signs after nitro administration.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Review of Tablets & Toxins as an ACLS H &T reversible causes of cardiac arrest with some specific, commonly encountered examples.The majority of toxins don’t have a specific antidote.  There are a few toxins for which we have emergency interventions and ACLS providers should be familiar with.Reviewing the patient's medical history for indicators that may lead us to suspect a tablet/toxin cause of cardiac arrest.Administration of Narcan for suspected narcotics overdose following the Opioid Associated Emergency algorithm.Other common ACLS Tablet Toxin scenarios with possible treatments.Medications commonly used to treat specific toxins that are regularly stocked on crash carts or carried in EMS med bags.ACLS providers that suspect a specific toxin should consult with their Pharmacy or call Poison Control for treatment directions.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn Poison Myths and Misconceptions on The Pharmacists Voice podcast:https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/podcast/poison-myths-and-misconceptions-discussion-part-1-of-5-with-angel-bivens-rph-and-wendy-stephan-phd/

Review of when we should consider beta blocker use in ACLS's Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) & Tachycardia algorithms and when they're contraindicated.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.Effects of epinephrine & norepinephrine stimulation of beta receptors on the heart.Beta blockers effects on the heart.When we should consider the use of beta blockers in the Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)and Tachycardia algorithms.Contraindications to the use of beta blocker medications.More detailed information about beta blocker’s mechanism of action and specific instances for their use can be found on the Pod Resource page at PassACLS.com. Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Indications & use of an antiarrhythmic infusion of Amiodarone or Lidocaine for cardiac arrest patients that have return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).Our primary focus immediately following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).Post-arrest goals for O2 saturation, ETCO2, and BP/MAP.Indications for use of an antiarrhythmic after ROSC.Determining which antiarrhythmic to use post cardiac arrest.Administration of Amiodarone or Lidocaine after ROSC.The use of Amiodarone post arrest if no antiarrhythmics were administered prior to obtaining ROSC.Links to other medical podcasts that cover antiarrhythmics and other ACLS-related topics are on the Pod Resource page at PassACLS.com.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

BLS & ACLS's Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm makes it easier to act as team leader during a code by following an If/Then methodology.Review of BLS steps for determining if rescue breathing or CPR is needed and use of an AED for patients in cardiac arrest.If the patient is in a non-shockable rhythm on the ECG such as PEA or asystole, we will go down the right side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm.If the patient is in a shockable rhythm on the ECG such as V-Fib or V-Tach, we will go down the left side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm.An example of a code's flow for shockable rhythms when an antiarrhythmic such as Amiodarone or Lidocaine is administered.We will follow the algorithm until the patient has ROSC or we call the code.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Review of lead II ECG characteristics, rules to identify first and third degree heart blocks, and treatment following the ACLS Bradycardia algorithm.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.Review of normal ECG morphology in lead II.Characteristics of first-degree heart block.Characteristics of third-degree (complete) AV block.Treatment of unstable patients in third degree block following the ACLS Bradycardia algorithm.Special considerations for use of Atropine when patients are in a third-degree heart block.The use of TCP, Dopamine, & Epinephrine drip for unstable bradycardic patients refractory to Atropine.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Review the indications, contraindications, sizing, and insertion of the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) to maintain the airway of patients with a gag reflex.The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious patient.When the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) should be used as an alternative to the oropharyngeal airway (OPA).Examples of when a NPA should be considered.Contraindications and considerations for nasal airway insertion.Measuring a nasal airway for appropriate length and diameter.Insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway into the right vs left nostril.Patients with a NPA in place can receive supplemental O2, be ventilated with a BVM, have ETCO2 monitored, and have their upper airway suctioned as needed. Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

The role of team leader, code team responsibilities, and the use of reference cards during your ACLS class megacode and written exam.Two things have changed in recent years to aid students that don't use ACLS in their daily practice.The team leader’s roles and responsibilities.Using closed-loop communication and speaking up if there’s any doubt about an order or action.Use of your course’s approved text book and quick reference cards during the megacode and written exam.Tips to help you pass the ACLS written exam.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

The use of quantitative waveform capnography in ACLS to confirm good CPR and placement of an ET tube, identify ROSC, and during post-cardiac arrest care.Waveform capnography use with, and without, an advanced airway in place.Monitoring end tidal CO2 during rescue breathing.Use of capnography to objectively measure good CPR.Capnography is a preferred method of confirming endotracheal tube (ETT) placement over x-ray during a code.Identifying ROSC during CPR.Quantitative waveform capnography use in the post-cardiac arrest algorithm.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Review the energy settings needed for defibrillation and/or synchronized cardioversion using an AED, biphasic, or monophasic defibrillator.Defibrillators three basic categories.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock.Advantages & use of biphasic defibrillators.Energy for monophasic defibrillators to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.AED safety.Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators.Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion.Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia.**American Cancer Society (ACS) Fundraiser This is the seventh year that I'm participating in Men Wear Pink to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for the American Cancer Society's life-saving mission.I hope you'll consider contributing.Every donation makes a difference in the fight against breast cancer! Paul Taylor's ACS Fundraiser Page: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylorTHANK YOU for your support! Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Review the chain of survival for cardiac and stroke emergencies and describe why strong EMS relations and specialized teams have better patient outcomes.The chain of survival for ACLS is the same as was learned in your BLS class.The beginning steps of the Cardiac Emergency and Stroke chain of survival.ACLS's timed goals for first medical contact to PCI for STEMI and door-to-needle for ischemic stroke.Characteristics of areas that have significantly better stroke and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes.**American Cancer Society (ACS) Fundraiser This is the seventh year that I'm participating in Men Wear Pink to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for the American Cancer Society's life-saving mission.I hope you'll consider contributing.Every donation makes a difference in the fight against breast cancer! Paul Taylor's ACS Fundraiser Page: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylorTHANK YOU for your support! Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn