Course Content
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How to Use Master ACLS How to get the most out of this website! Fast Review or In-depth study
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In-Depth ACLS Videos Full length video lectures covering the prerequisite ACLS knowledge
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ACLS Acronyms Crack the code for the ACLS Acronyms
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Changes to ACLS Algorithms in 2015-2020 Covers the 2015 Guidelines & the 2017 Update to the 2015 Guidelines
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2018 Update to the AHA/ILCOR Guidelines Summary of the 2018 Updates to the AHA Guidelines
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ACLS Pharmacology Complete coverage of ACLS drugs including Drug Quick Facts
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Basic Life Support BLS the foundation for all ACLS
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Respiratory Distress and Arrest How Respiratory Distress contributes to & causes Cardiac Arrest
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Acute Coronary Syndrome Causes & treatments for cardiac ischemia
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Acute Stroke Stroke symptoms, testing, & treatments
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Cardiac Arrest Algorithm Causes of cardiac arrest and how to treat them
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Bradycardia Algorithm Identify when to treat a slow heart beat & how & when to treat it
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Tachycardia Identify when to treat a fast heart beat & how & when to treat it
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Care Of the Patient After Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) You've got a pulse, what now?
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Additional Learning Resources Flashcards for fast learning
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Defibrillation vs. Syncrhonized Cardioversion Electrical therapies--which one to use and how to use them
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ACLS Megacode Practice Scenarios Learn to be a great Megacode Team Leader with NO STRESS
- ACLS Practice Megacode Scenarios
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 1
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 2
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 3
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 4
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 5
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 6
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 7
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 8
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 9
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 10
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 11
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 12
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 13
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 14
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 15
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 16
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 17
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 18
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 19
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 20
- ACLS Megacode Scenario 21
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ACLS Video Simulation Learning Center Megacode Videos for ACLS Simulation Learning--fast paced & fun!
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ACLS Practice and Final Exams Hundreds of practice test questions. Retake as often as needed!
Wide-Complex Tachycardia
Wide Complex Tachycardia
For detailed information on this rhythm click on ECG for Everyone to watch a video on how to easily identify all ACLS arrhythmias and how to use the ACLS algorithms to treat them.
Wide complex tachycardia may be monomorphic (one-shaped) or polymorphic (many-shaped). These rhythms may or may not be stable based on the symptoms presented by the patients. Wide complex tachycardias are defined as having a QRS complex of ≥ 0.12 second. Since these tachycardias as the most common rhythms to deteriorate into VF, expert consultation should always be considered.
Identifying Characteristics
Some experts define Ventricular Tachycardia as any rhythm that has the following characteristics.
- Ventricular Tachycardia = 3 or more VEB at a rate of > 130 beats/min
- If > 30 seconds = sustained
- can be monophoric or polymorphic
The two types of Ventricular Tachycardia can be broken down as follows:
Monomorphic
- most common
- associated with MI
Since each ventricular impulse is being generated from the same place in the ventricles all of the QRS complexes look the same (symmetrical). What treatment to employ depends on if the patient is stable or unstable. Underlying conditions should always be considered and treated if possible. However, if the patient is unstable treatment of underlying conditions should not delay the implementation of the ACLS Tachycardia algorithm. Synchronized cardioversion at 100 Joules is the immediate treatment for unstable monomorphic VT with a pulse. Patients without a pulse should have CPR started and be defibrillated as soon as possible. Follow the ACLS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm for treatment guidelines.
Polymorphic
- QRS at 200 beats/min or more which change amplitude and axis so they appear to twist around the baseline
The QRS complexes are not symmetrical in polymorphic VT because each electrical impulse may be generated from a different location in the ventricles. On the ECG strip the impulses may appear wider and taller than in monomorphic VT. One of the most frequently seen polymorphic VTs is Torsades de Pointes. In this arrhythmia the tips of the QRS complex appear to go up and down creating a rolling pattern. This arrhythmia is often seen as a result of hypomagnesemia. There are other polymorphic arrhythmia patterns that may require expert consultation to identify and treat.
If the patient is stable, treat the patient’s symptoms and identify and treat the underlying causes if possible. Members can watch a video that identifies these at Underlying Causes of Cardiac Arrest H’s and T’s.
Unstable polymorphic VT with a pulse can not be treated with synchronized cardioversion because of the irregular pattern of the QRS complexes there is nothing regular to which defibrillator can synchronize delivery of the shock. Patients without a pulse should have CPR started and be defibrillated as soon as possible. Follow the ACLS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm for treatment guidelines.
Mechanisms of Cause and Predisposing Conditions
- enhanced automaticity (ectopic pacemaker activity)
- enhanced trigger activity
- re-entry
- Channelopathies such as:
Lange-Neilsen syndrome (long QT + deafness)
Brugada Syndrome
Romano-Ward syndrome (long QT and no deafness)
- Drugs that Cause QT Prolongation such as
clarithromycin
droperidol
erythromycin
haloperidol
metoclopramide
methadone
TCA
- Electrolyte Imbalances
Hypokalaemia
Hyperkalaemia
Hypomagnesemia
Hypocalcaemia
Hypernatremia
- Hypothermia
- Coronary Disease
MI
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Coronary Artery Disease
LV Dysfunction