Cardiac Arrest Algorithm Flashcards

In pediatric cardiac arrest, IO access should be considered when IV access cannot be established within:

Answer: 1–2 minutes or after 2 failed IV attempts

IO access should be obtained if IV access is not established within 1–2 minutes or after two failed IV attempts.

Which of the following best describes Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) in a pediatric patient?

Answer: Organized rhythm on monitor with no palpable pulse

PEA is defined as an organized (or semi-organized) cardiac rhythm on the monitor without a palpable pulse.

A 6-year-old is in cardiac arrest. High-quality CPR has been ongoing for 8 minutes. ETCO2 readings have been consistently below 10 mmHg. What does this suggest?

Answer: CPR quality is poor and cardiac output is low

ETCO2 below 10 mmHg during CPR suggests poor CPR quality or very low cardiac output.

When should the rhythm check occur during the PALS cardiac arrest algorithm?

Answer: Every 2 minutes after each CPR cycle

Rhythm checks should occur every 2 minutes, coinciding with the end of each CPR cycle to minimize interruptions.

Which reversible cause of pediatric cardiac arrest is represented by the 'T' for Tension pneumothorax in the H's and T's?

Answer: Tension pneumothorax

Tension pneumothorax is a reversible cause identified in the H's and T's mnemonic and is treated with needle decompression.

A child in asystole receives high-quality CPR and two doses of epinephrine. Which action is MOST appropriate if asystole persists?

Answer: Continue CPR, reassess every 2 minutes, and search for reversible causes

For persistent asystole or PEA, continue CPR and systematically evaluate and treat reversible causes (H's and T's).

During pediatric CPR, what chest compression depth is recommended for an infant?

Answer: At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)

For infants, compress the chest at least 1.5 inches (approximately 4 cm), which is about one-third the anterior-posterior diameter.