DCAS Paediatric Emergencies (PALS)

Question 1

Normal respiratory rate for an infant (0-1 year) is approximately:

Accepted Answer

30-60 breaths per minute

Answer

12-20 breaths per minute

Answer

20-30 breaths per minute

Answer

60-80 breaths per minute

Question 2

The Paediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) assesses which three parameters?

Accepted Answer

Appearance, Work of breathing, and Circulation to the skin

Answer

Airway, Breathing, and Circulation

Answer

Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure

Answer

Consciousness, skin colour, and temperature

Question 3

In PALS, the primary cause of cardiac arrest in children differs from adults in that it is most commonly:

Accepted Answer

Respiratory failure or shock leading to hypoxic cardiac arrest

Answer

Primary cardiac arrhythmia (VF/pVT)

Answer

Traumatic cardiac arrest

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 4

The first-line medication for anaphylaxis in a child is:

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine (adrenaline) IM into the anterolateral thigh — 0.01mg/kg of 1:1000 (max 0.5mg)

Answer

Diphenhydramine (antihistamine) IV as first-line

Answer

Hydrocortisone IV as first-line

Answer

Salbutamol nebuliser as sole treatment

Question 5

In a child with signs of upper airway obstruction (croup), the recommended pre-hospital treatment is:

Accepted Answer

Nebulised adrenaline (epinephrine) 5ml of 1:1000, dexamethasone, and cool humidified oxygen

Answer

Immediate RSI intubation

Answer

IV antibiotics and cooling

Answer

Direct laryngoscopy to assess the glottis

Question 6

Normal systolic blood pressure for a 5-year-old child is approximately:

Accepted Answer

90-100 mmHg (formula: 90 + (2 × age in years))

Answer

120-130 mmHg

Answer

60-70 mmHg

Answer

150 mmHg