PALS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During pediatric CPR, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio when two rescuers are present and the airway is NOT secured with an advanced airway?
- 15:2 (Correct answer)
- 30:2
- 15:1
- 30:1
Correct answer: 15:2
Two-rescuer pediatric CPR uses a 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio when no advanced airway is in place.
Question 2: A child in cardiac arrest has been intubated with an endotracheal tube. What is the correct ventilation rate while CPR continues?
- 8–10 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- 20–25 breaths per minute
- 12–15 breaths per minute
- 6–8 breaths per minute
Correct answer: 8–10 breaths per minute
Once an advanced airway is in place, deliver asynchronous ventilations at 8–10 breaths per minute without pausing compressions.
Question 3: Which of the following is the MOST common initial shockable rhythm in pediatric cardiac arrest?
- Asystole (Correct answer)
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
- Pulseless electrical activity
Correct answer: Asystole
Asystole is the most common initial rhythm in pediatric cardiac arrest, often resulting from respiratory failure or hypoxia.
Question 4: For a shockable pediatric rhythm, what is the recommended initial defibrillation dose?
- 2 J/kg (Correct answer)
- 4 J/kg
- 1 J/kg
- 360 J
Correct answer: 2 J/kg
The initial defibrillation dose for pediatric patients is 2 J/kg.
Question 5: After the second unsuccessful defibrillation attempt in a child with VF, what is the recommended subsequent energy dose?
- 4 J/kg (Correct answer)
- 2 J/kg
- 6 J/kg
- 10 J/kg
Correct answer: 4 J/kg
Subsequent defibrillation attempts after the second shock should use 4 J/kg or higher (up to 10 J/kg or adult maximum).
Question 6: During a pediatric cardiac arrest, epinephrine should be administered every:
- 3–5 minutes (Correct answer)
- 1–2 minutes
- 5–10 minutes
- 10 minutes
Correct answer: 3–5 minutes
Epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO is given every 3–5 minutes during cardiac arrest.
Question 7: A child with VF fails to respond after two defibrillation attempts and epinephrine. Which antiarrhythmic should be considered NEXT?
- Amiodarone or lidocaine (Correct answer)
- Adenosine
- Magnesium sulfate only
- Sodium bicarbonate
Correct answer: Amiodarone or lidocaine
Amiodarone (5 mg/kg IV/IO) or lidocaine (1 mg/kg IV/IO) is recommended for shock-refractory VF/pVT.
PALS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm 2
During pediatric CPR, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio when two rescuers are present and the airway is NOT secured with an advanced airway?