Name two Hs and two Ts that should be considered as reversible causes during cardiac arrest.

Name two Hs and two Ts that should be considered as reversible causes during cardiac arrest.

• A. Hypoxia and Hypovolemia; Tension pneumothorax and Tamponade (cardiac)
• B. Hypoxia and Hypervolemia; Tension pneumothorax and Tamponade
• C. Hypoxia and Hypovolemia; Tension pneumothorax and Pneumothorax
• D. Hypoxemia and Hypovolemia; Tension pneumothorax and Tamponade

Answer: (A)

In cardiac arrest, focus is on reversible causes that, if addressed quickly, can restore circulation. This is captured by the Hs and Ts framework. The two Hs to consider are Hypoxia, which means not enough oxygen reaching tissues, and Hypovolemia, which reduces the blood returning to the heart and thus cardiac filling. Addressing them involves ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygen delivery, and restoring circulating volume when appropriate. The two Ts to consider are Tension pneumothorax, where air buildup in the chest compresses the heart and great vessels and severely cuts venous return, requiring immediate decompression; and Tamponade (cardiac), where fluid around the heart prevents it from filling properly, needing timely pericardiocentesis or drainage. This combination—Hypoxia and Hypovolemia, plus Tension pneumothorax and Tamponade—fits the standard reversible-cause list used in ACLS. The other options mix nonstandard terms or omit the specific “tension” scenario, or use a term (Hypoxemia) that isn’t the usual H in this framework.

In cardiac arrest, focus is on reversible causes that, if addressed quickly, can restore circulation. This is captured by the Hs and Ts framework. The two Hs to consider are Hypoxia, which means not enough oxygen reaching tissues, and Hypovolemia, which reduces the blood returning to the heart and thus cardiac filling. Addressing them involves ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygen delivery, and restoring circulating volume when appropriate.

The two Ts to consider are Tension pneumothorax, where air buildup in the chest compresses the heart and great vessels and severely cuts venous return, requiring immediate decompression; and Tamponade (cardiac), where fluid around the heart prevents it from filling properly, needing timely pericardiocentesis or drainage.

This combination—Hypoxia and Hypovolemia, plus Tension pneumothorax and Tamponade—fits the standard reversible-cause list used in ACLS. The other options mix nonstandard terms or omit the specific “tension” scenario, or use a term (Hypoxemia) that isn’t the usual H in this framework.