Cardiac Arrest Algorithm 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 Algorithm flashcards as text
A 4-year-old weighing 16 kg presents in VF. What is the correct initial defibrillation energy?
Answer: 32 J
Initial defibrillation dose is 2 J/kg; for a 16 kg child, 2 × 16 = 32 J.
Which of the following H's represents a common and correctable cause of pediatric cardiac arrest related to blood volume?
Answer: Hypovolemia
Hypovolemia is a common reversible cause of pediatric cardiac arrest and is treated with IV/IO fluid resuscitation.
What is the correct epinephrine dose for a pediatric patient in cardiac arrest?
Answer: 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO (max 1 mg)
Epinephrine for pediatric cardiac arrest is 0.01 mg/kg (1:10,000 solution) IV/IO, with a maximum single dose of 1 mg.
After ROSC is achieved in a pediatric cardiac arrest patient, which post-resuscitation intervention is recommended to prevent secondary brain injury?
Answer: Targeted temperature management
Targeted temperature management (maintaining temperature between 32–37.5°C) is recommended post-ROSC to mitigate neurological injury.
A rhythm check during CPR reveals organized electrical activity, but no pulse is felt. Which category does this rhythm fall into?
Answer: Non-shockable (PEA)
PEA is a non-shockable rhythm; the treatment is to continue high-quality CPR and identify reversible causes.
Which finding on ETCO2 monitoring during CPR suggests ROSC has occurred?
Answer: Abrupt sustained rise in ETCO2 to ≥40 mmHg
An abrupt, sustained increase in ETCO2 to ≥40 mmHg during CPR is a reliable indicator of ROSC.
For a child in cardiac arrest due to known or suspected opioid toxicity, which medication should be administered in addition to standard CPR?
Answer: Naloxone
Naloxone can reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression; however, standard PALS resuscitation takes priority in cardiac arrest.