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Any helpful hints on how to study for ACLS? I am the most worried about the mega code, I have heard lots of horror stories about it.
I just took ACLS a couple of weeks ago, and it wasn't that bad. I second what Chip said above - understand what the drugs do, don't just memorize what drug for what rhythm by rote. The class now really focuses on quality CPR, so if you ever get stumped during your mega code, just tell your team to continue CPR .
What helped me study was practicing giving instructions out loud. I made a pile of 3x5 cards with rhythms on it. Then I'd look at the rhythm and pretend to direct that code based on that rhythm. It really helps you put it all (compressions, airway, shocks, drugs) together.
The ACLS book this year was pretty good, although the pretest on the CD-ROM is way more difficult that the actual test given in class. The final test really focuses on fundamentals rather than tricky questions.
Good luck!
katienj
23 Posts
http://www.cprassociate.com/aclspretest.php
Here is a pretest that I found very helpful with ACLS. I have enjoyed the class each time I took it.