Cardiac Arrest Flashcards
7 cards from real PALS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Cardiac Arrest flashcards as text
Which post-cardiac arrest intervention is recommended to prevent secondary brain injury in a comatose child after ROSC?
Answer: Targeted temperature management (normothermia 36-37.5°C or mild hypothermia 32-34°C)
Targeted temperature management (TTM) — either normothermia or mild hypothermia — is recommended post-ROSC in comatose pediatric patients.
A 3-year-old is found unresponsive and pulseless. After 2 minutes of CPR, the monitor shows a shockable rhythm. What is the correct sequence?
Answer: Shock → immediately resume CPR for 2 min → rhythm check
After delivering a shock, immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes before the next rhythm check to maximize perfusion.
Which of the following describes the correct hand placement for two-finger chest compressions in an infant?
Answer: Just below the nipple line, center of chest (lower half of sternum)
For infant single-rescuer CPR, place two fingers just below the nipple line on the center of the chest (lower half of sternum).
During CPR, a child's EtCO2 remains at 5 mmHg despite what appears to be adequate compressions. What should be considered?
Answer: Improve compression quality and reassess for reversible causes
A persistently low EtCO2 (< 10 mmHg) during CPR indicates poor cardiac output; improve compressions and search for reversible causes.
A child remains in refractory VF after 3 shocks, epinephrine, and amiodarone. What is the next recommended action?
Answer: Give a second dose of amiodarone (5 mg/kg) or lidocaine (1 mg/kg) and shock again
A repeat antiarrhythmic dose (amiodarone 5 mg/kg or lidocaine 1 mg/kg) followed by defibrillation is indicated for persistent VF.
Which glucose management strategy is recommended for a pediatric patient post-cardiac arrest?
Answer: Maintain normoglycemia (avoid both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia)
Post-ROSC, maintain normoglycemia — both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia worsen neurological outcomes.
When is it appropriate to use a pediatric dose attenuator (key or pad) with an AED on a child?
Answer: For children 1-8 years old or weighing less than 25 kg, if available
Pediatric dose attenuators reduce AED energy and should be used for children age 1-8 years (or < 25 kg) when available.