CPR - Certified Paramedic Response Pediatric and Neonatal Resuscitation Questions and Answers

Question 1

Two paramedics are resuscitating a 5-year-old child in cardiac arrest. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio they should use?

Accepted Answer

15:2

Answer

For two-rescuer CPR on a child, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 15:2. This is different from the 30:2 ratio used for single-rescuer child CPR and all adult CPR. The 15:2 ratio provides more frequent ventilations, which is critical in pediatric arrests as they are often respiratory in origin.

Question 2

You are treating an 18-month-old in ventricular fibrillation. What is the recommended initial energy dose for defibrillation?

Accepted Answer

2 J/kg

Answer

The current PALS guidelines recommend an initial energy dose of 2 J/kg for the defibrillation of pediatric patients in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Subsequent shocks may be increased to 4 J/kg or higher, but the first shock should be 2 J/kg.

Question 3

A paramedic is preparing to administer intravenous epinephrine to a 22-pound (10 kg) child in asystole. Which of the following is the correct dose and concentration?

Accepted Answer

0.1 mg of 1:10,000 solution

Answer

The standard IV/IO dose of epinephrine for pediatric cardiac arrest is 0.01 mg/kg of the 1:10,000 concentration. For a 10 kg child, this calculates to 0.1 mg (0.01 mg/kg * 10 kg). The 1:10,000 concentration is crucial for IV/IO administration to avoid dosing errors.

Question 4

During the resuscitation of a newborn, the baby remains apneic with a heart rate of 45 beats per minute despite effective positive-pressure ventilation. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Begin chest compressions.

Answer

According to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines, if a newborn's heart rate is below 60 bpm despite 30 seconds of effective positive-pressure ventilation, chest compressions should be initiated. Compressions should be coordinated with ventilations at a 3:1 ratio.

Question 5

Which of the following is the most common initial cause of cardiac arrest in infants and children?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory failure or shock

Answer

Unlike adults, where sudden cardiac events are common, the vast majority of pediatric cardiac arrests are secondary to progressive respiratory failure or shock. This is why effective ventilation is a cornerstone of pediatric resuscitation.

(CPR) Certified Paramedic Response Practice Test

(CPR) Certified Paramedic Response Practice Test

CPR - Certified Paramedic Response Pediatric and Neonatal Resuscitation Questions and Answers