You are working a 55-year-old patient in cardiac arrest. When it comes time to push amiodarone for ventricular fibrillation, you note that your stock of the preferred medication has been depleted on a previous call. What medication can be safely used in place of amiodarone in this situation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: In the absence of amiodarone, lidocaine is the preferred alternative for ventricular fibrillation. Lidocaine is a Class Ib antiarrhythmic agent that can be used to stabilize cardiac rhythms in cardiac arrest situations. It works by blocking sodium channels in the heart, helping to restore a normal heart rhythm. Epinephrine (A) is primarily used for its effects on increasing heart rate and blood pressure during cardiac arrest. Cardizem (B) is a calcium channel blocker and not typically used for ventricular fibrillation. Procainamide (D) is a Class Ia antiarrhythmic drug that is less commonly used for ventricular arrhythmias and is not the preferred alternative in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Perform endotracheal intubation and ventilation. This step is crucial in ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in a trauma patient with potential airway compromise. By securing the airway and providing ventilation, we can prevent hypoxia and further injury. Obtaining a lateral cervical spine x-ray (A) is important in evaluating for potential spinal cord injury but should not delay airway management. Inserting a central venous pressure line (B) is not a priority in the initial management of a trauma patient. Administering crystalloid solution (C) may be necessary later, but airway management takes precedence in this critical situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The Rule of Nines is used to estimate the percentage of body surface area burned. In infants, the head is proportionally larger compared to adults, making it a key area to assess accurately. This is crucial for determining the extent of burns and guiding treatment. Choice C is correct because it highlights the specific anatomical difference in infants. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the unique proportionality of the infant head compared to adults, which is essential in burn assessment for this age group.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Cerebral edema causes increased intracranial pressure. Step 2: Hypercarbia leads to cerebral vasodilatation. Step 3: Cerebral vasodilatation increases intracranial pressure further. Step 4: Avoiding hypercarbia helps prevent worsening of cerebral edema. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is C: Cerebral vasodilatation should be avoided to prevent further increase in intracranial pressure. Summary: - A: Metabolic acidosis is not directly related to hypercarbia in this context. - B: Hypercarbia can lead to respiratory acidosis but it's not the primary concern in cerebral edema. - D: Neurogenic pulmonary edema is not directly caused by hypercarbia in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a patient with altered consciousness after head trauma, CT scanning is crucial to assess for intracranial injuries. It helps identify any hematomas or contusions requiring urgent intervention. Choice A is incorrect as hyperoxia is beneficial in traumatic brain injury. Choice C is not always necessary if the patient maintains airway patency. Choice D is incorrect as a GCS of 10 suggests moderate head injury, not necessarily severe.