Acls

dont worry too much

they will spoon feed it to you

they want you to pass

Tweety

That is great that you are taking the ACLS class. From other posting of yours I have read over time you seem to have a good grasp of rhythms etc, I don't think you will have any problems. I am surprised that you didn't already have to be ACLS. Where I live the class has only gotten less stressful over the years. The first time I took it you went in a room alone and had to be a code leader it was very intimidating and not a good learning experience.

About the last 4 times I have recertified the written BLS and ACLS test have been the hardest part of all of it. This was the first year I didn't freak out too much and way over prepare.

There will be people with all sorts of expericnce taking it with you and some with no experience(the first time course). I had nurse's who worked in doctor offices taking it and pass and they didn't have the acute care clinical experience that you do. I have taken it with new grads as well who were starting employment in the ER.

So relax you will do well.

http://www2.mc.duke.edu/9200bmt/ACLSdrugs.htm

OOps- forgot about this one- it's got a breakdown of the ACLS drugs, and it's very thorough.

Regarding the first-line drug changes: It's my understanding that one of the changes that might be made is that Vasopressin could be used as a first-line drug for some forms of cardiac arrest over Epinephrine now. I'm not sure, as my ACLS isn't due for renewal for several more months. Recent studies have shown that Vasopressin given to pts with Asystole have a 29% survival rate vs 20% with Epi. Survival rates for PEA and V-Fib were the same. From what I understand, the AHA might be changing the regimen to a dose of Vasopressin first, then going to Epi next. Anybody know if this has become policy yet?

ACLS recommendations for VT/VF:

Vasopressin 40U IV single one time dose or

Epi 1 mg IV (repeat q 3-5 mins)

Also of note:

Amiodarone for cardiac arrest 300mg IV push, may repeat 150mg IVP in 3-5 mins-max cumulative dose 2.2g IV/24 hours.

Thanks, Gldngrl! I knew there had been some changes. Good luck, Tweety- it's not as scary as it might seem. They do want you to pass.

I know if I did a search I'd find my answers, but I'm lazy and want my own thread. :)

I'm going to take ACLS in June for the first time, since they are thinking of making our unit a step-down ICU within the next year or two. Plus it's lots of CEU's.

I've just finished an EKG course and have CPR. What, if anything, prior to then can I do to help prepare myself. What did you do.

Thanks.

http://www.randylarson.com/acls/

practice your megacode and stripps on this site, Good Luck