ENPC Cardiovascular Emergencies Flashcards

A 14-year-old has a prolonged QTc interval and history of syncopal episodes during exercise. What is the MOST concerning diagnosis?

Answer: Long QT syndrome with risk of torsades de pointes

Long QT syndrome with exertional syncope carries a significant risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death, requiring urgent evaluation.

After successful resuscitation from pediatric cardiac arrest, which post-arrest intervention MOST improves neurological outcomes?

Answer: Targeted temperature management to prevent hyperthermia

Preventing post-arrest hyperthermia through targeted temperature management improves neurological outcomes in pediatric patients.

When performing intraosseous (IO) access in a child under 6 years, what is the preferred insertion site?

Answer: Proximal tibia, 1–2 cm below and medial to the tibial tuberosity

The proximal tibia is the preferred IO site in young children due to its flat, accessible surface and large marrow cavity.

Kawasaki disease must be treated promptly with IVIG primarily to prevent which serious complication?

Answer: Coronary artery aneurysms

Without timely IVIG treatment, Kawasaki disease leads to coronary artery aneurysms in up to 25% of affected children.

A 14-year-old athlete is in shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation after two defibrillation attempts. Which medication should be administered?

Answer: Amiodarone 5 mg/kg IV

Amiodarone 5 mg/kg IV is the recommended antiarrhythmic for shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation in pediatric patients per PALS guidelines.

Which assessment BEST evaluates the effectiveness of CPR in a pediatric patient?

Answer: End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) values greater than 10–15 mmHg during compressions

EtCO2 above 10–15 mmHg during CPR correlates with adequate cardiac output and coronary perfusion pressure.