PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Cardiac Arrest Algorithm Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 5-year-old child collapses in the hospital playroom.
You find them unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless.
The monitor shows ventricular fibrillation.
High-quality CPR is initiated.
According to the PALS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm, what is the correct energy dose for the initial defibrillation attempt?

Accepted Answer

2 J/kg

Answer

0.5 J/kg

Answer

4 J/kg

Answer

10 J/kg

Question 2

During a pediatric resuscitation for pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT), two shocks have been delivered and 2 minutes of CPR have been completed. The rhythm remains pVT. Which medication should be administered first according to the PALS algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg

Answer

Atropine 0.02 mg/kg

Answer

Adenosine 0.1 mg/kg

Answer

Sodium Bicarbonate 1 mEq/kg

Question 3

You are leading a resuscitation team for an infant in asystole. High-quality CPR is ongoing, and IV access has been established. After a 2-minute cycle of CPR and rhythm check confirms asystole, what is the most appropriate next action?

Accepted Answer

Administer epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg and continue CPR.

Answer

Administer a 4 J/kg shock.

Answer

Give amiodarone 5 mg/kg.

Answer

Check for a pulse for 15 seconds.

Question 4

A resuscitation team is managing a child in pulseless electrical activity (PEA). While continuing high-quality CPR, the team leader asks everyone to consider reversible causes. Which of the following is one of the 'H's in the H's and T's mnemonic?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hyperoxia

Answer

Hemothorax

Question 5

Two healthcare providers are performing CPR on a 7-year-old child who does not have an advanced airway in place. To ensure high-quality CPR, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio?

Accepted Answer

15 compressions to 2 ventilations

Answer

30 compressions to 2 ventilations

Answer

30 compressions to 1 ventilation

Answer

Continuous compressions with 1 breath every 6 seconds

Question 6

A 3-year-old child achieves Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) after a prolonged resuscitation from asystolic cardiac arrest. The child remains comatose. Which of the following is a primary goal of post-cardiac arrest care?

Accepted Answer

Optimizing ventilation and oxygenation to avoid both hypoxia and hyperoxia.

Answer

Inducing hyperventilation to a PaCO2 of 25-30 mmHg.

Answer

Maintaining oxygen saturation at 100% to maximize oxygen delivery.

Answer

Administering a routine bolus of sodium bicarbonate.