Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What does ROSC stand for in the context of advanced cardiovascular life support?

1. Return of spontaneous circulation

2. Restoration of systemic circulation

3. Reversal of sudden cardiac arrest

4. Reestablishment of oxygenated blood flow

The correct answer is: Return of spontaneous circulation

In the context of advanced cardiovascular life support, ROSC stands for "Return of Spontaneous Circulation." This term refers to the resumption of effective heart function and the restoration of a palpable pulse after a period of cardiac arrest. Achieving ROSC is a critical goal during resuscitation efforts, as it indicates that the heart has regained the ability to pump blood autonomously and adequately perfuse vital organs. Understanding ROSC is essential because it reflects the success of interventions like CPR and defibrillation in a patient who has experienced cardiac arrest. It also signifies a transition point in patient management—after achieving ROSC, medical providers will typically shift focus to post-cardiac arrest care, ensuring proper hemodynamics and addressing any underlying causes of the arrest.