How to Survive Acls!

Concise yet thorough, this eight-chapter text provides essential guidance for mastering Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Coverage includes the core management topics taught in ACLS courses: respiratory arrest, lethal arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, alterations in rate, megacode management, and ACLS drug protocols. Nine case studies simulate real-life experience, allowing learners to apply knowledge and determine appropriate interventions. Discussion includes the need for and use of airway adjuncts, endotracheal intubation, pharmacotherapy for dysrhythmias, electrical therapy, intravenous techniques and medications, and special resuscitation situations. A generous use of pedagogy makes learning pleasant, understandable and effective: Numerous mnemonics -- such as cross word puzzles, algorithms and more -- provide alternative ways of learning; Icons throughout organize and indicate repetitive key concepts; More than 200 pre- and post-test questions help with self-assessment; Case studies feature critical action for student evaluation, case study algorithm, identifying features, assessment, lecture content explaining the case, case study interim evaluation, and case study crossword puzzle, to allow for different learning styles and individual evaluation; Helpful hints enhance pertinent cognitive information; Let's Practice feature helps incorporate memorization techniques; Twenty-four flash cards for protocols and drugs support memorization; and Right brain / left brain icons help to accommodate the predominate style of the learner.