AHA ACLS Provider study plan

Analyze 30 rhythm strips to extract rate, rhythm regularity, P-wave presence/axis, PR interval, and QRS width using a fixed 5-step routine.

Differentiate sinus rhythm, sinus brady/tachy, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and SVT by writing the discriminating criteria for each.

Distinguish first-degree, second-degree type I, second-degree type II, and third-degree AV block on 15 strips without referring to notes.

Classify 15 wide-complex tachycardias as monomorphic VT, polymorphic VT, or SVT with aberrancy, and label every strip as shockable vs non-shockable and stable vs unstable.

Perform and narrate the 2-rescuer adult BLS sequence, hitting a compression rate of 100-120/min, depth of at least 5 cm, full chest recoil, 30:2 ratio, and compressor switch every 2 minutes.

Sequence AED application and use so that pads are on and analysis begins within 60 seconds of the device arriving, including hands-off clearing and immediate post-shock compressions.

Compare bag-mask ventilation, OPA, NPA, extraglottic airway, and endotracheal intubation on indication, advantage, and failure mode.

Interpret waveform capnography to confirm tube placement, detect dislodgement, and recognize a sudden ETCO2 rise as a possible ROSC signal.

List four specific causes of poor CPR quality and state the corrective action for each.

Recite the VF/pVT cardiac arrest algorithm from memory, including first and subsequent biphasic shock energies, epinephrine dosing interval, and antiarrhythmic options with doses.

Reconstruct the PEA and asystole pathways and map each of the 5 H's and 5 T's to the assessment that would detect it.

Determine when a single shock versus stacked shocks is appropriate and describe the required actions in the 2 minutes immediately after a shock.

Apply the shock-CPR 2 min-rhythm check-drug cycle to 10 arrest vignettes and justify each decision.

Execute the bradycardia algorithm: identify unstable signs, state atropine dose and maximum total dose, and sequence transcutaneous pacing and chronotropic infusions.

Execute the with-pulse tachycardia algorithm: select vagal maneuvers, adenosine dosing, or synchronized cardioversion according to rhythm type and stability.

Distinguish stable from unstable using the five signs (hypotension, altered mental status, ischemic chest pain, acute heart failure, shock) across 10 cases.

Choose among cardioversion, drug therapy, and watchful waiting in 10 timed tachyarrhythmia vignettes and defend the choice in one sentence each.

Build a drug card for epinephrine, amiodarone, lidocaine, atropine, adenosine, dopamine, naloxone, and magnesium listing indication, dose, route, and one key caution each.

Calculate weight-based doses and infusion rates for three different patient weights without arithmetic error.

Differentiate defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and transcutaneous pacing by indication, mode selection, and energy setting.

Describe safe electrical therapy practice: pad placement, oxygen removed from the chest, audible 'clear' command, and hands-off during rhythm analysis.

Sequence post-ROSC care in order: airway and ventilation, oxygenation target, 12-lead ECG, targeted temperature management, hemodynamic support, and metabolic checks.

State the SpO2 and PaCO2 targets after ROSC and explain the harm of hyperoxia and hypocapnia in two sentences each.

Assign the six resuscitation team roles and script closed-loop communication lines for three different scenarios.

Prioritize reversible causes to pursue after ROSC and state the criteria for transport to a PCI-capable center.

Re-drill the two lowest-scoring areas from weeks 1-6 by completing 40 mixed-domain practice items and logging every miss with a root cause.

Interpret 20 rhythm strips under a 20-second-per-strip time limit to build recognition speed.

Trace each of six full case vignettes from initial rhythm through drug and electrical therapy to post-arrest disposition.

State every dose, energy level, and rate/depth target from memory in a single 15-minute recall session.

Complete two full-length timed mock exams of 60 items under exam conditions and score each by domain.

Remediate every domain scoring below 80% by re-reading notes and redoing the missed items until correct on a second attempt.

Rehearse the hands-on sequence for a full arrest megacode from recognition through ROSC to post-arrest handoff in one unbroken run.

Consolidate a final one-page summary sheet of every algorithm, dose, and energy level for last-day review.