Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification Course

ACLS Introduction

The Initial Assessment

ACLS Skills Training

ACLS Certification Exam

Adult Tachycardia With Pulse Algorithm

Adult Tachycardia with Pulse Algorithm

Adult Tachycardia with Pulse Algorithm
Figure 40

DOSES/DETAILS

Synchronized Cardioversion:

  • Narrow regular: 50 to 100J
  • Narrow irregular: Biphasic 120J to 200J Monophasic 200J
  • Wide regular: 100J
  • Wide irregular: defibrillation dose (NOT synchronized)

Adenosine IV Dose:

  • Initial dose of 6 mg rapid IV push; follow with NS flush.
  • Follow with second dose of 12 mg if required.

Antiarrhythmic Infusions for stable wide QRS tachycardia:

Procainamide IV Dose:

  • 20 to 50 mg per minute until arrhythmia suppressed, hypotension ensues, or QRS duration increases >50%, maximum dose 17 mg/kg given.
  • Maintenance infusion: 1 to 4 mg per minute. Avoid if prolonged QT or CHF

Amiodarone IV Dose:

  • Initial dose: 150 mg over 10 minutes. Repeat as needed if VT recurs.
  • Maintenance infusion: 1 mg per minute for first six hours.

Sotalol IV Dose:

  • 100 mg (1.5 mg/kg) over five minutes. Avoid if prolonged QT