Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

Following successful resuscitation, what is a primary concern regarding a patient's vitals?

1. Respiratory rate

2. Blood pressure stability

3. Heart rate fluctuations

4. Temperature regulation

The correct answer is: Blood pressure stability

The primary concern regarding a patient's vitals following successful resuscitation is blood pressure stability. After a cardiac arrest and subsequent resuscitation, maintaining adequate blood pressure is critical for ensuring sufficient perfusion to vital organs. This helps prevent ischemia and supports the overall recovery process. Instability in blood pressure can indicate inadequate cardiac output or the potential for further cardiovascular complications. Therefore, monitoring and managing blood pressure is crucial during this phase to assess the effectiveness of the resuscitative efforts and to provide appropriate interventions, such as fluid resuscitation or medications if necessary. While other vital signs, such as respiratory rate, heart rate fluctuations, and temperature regulation, are important to monitor, blood pressure stability directly correlates with the patient’s hemodynamic status and their ability to recover effectively after resuscitation.