Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Flashcards

What is the recommended target PaCO2 range during post-cardiac arrest care in pediatric patients?

Answer: 35–45 mmHg

Normocapnia (PaCO2 35–45 mmHg) is targeted to avoid cerebral vasoconstriction from hypocapnia or vasodilation and increased ICP from hypercapnia.

A post-cardiac arrest child has a blood glucose of 240 mg/dL. What is the recommended action?

Answer: Treat hyperglycemia while avoiding hypoglycemia

Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia worsen neurological outcomes, so glucose should be managed to normoglycemia.

Which intervention is MOST appropriate to assess neurological recovery after pediatric cardiac arrest?

Answer: Continuous EEG monitoring

Continuous EEG monitoring is recommended post-arrest to detect seizures, which are common and may be non-convulsive.

Post-ROSC, a child's SpO2 is 98% on FiO2 1.0. What adjustment should be made?

Answer: Titrate FiO2 down to maintain SpO2 94–99%

Hyperoxia worsens reperfusion injury; FiO2 should be titrated to maintain SpO2 94–99% after ROSC.

Which temperature range is recommended for targeted temperature management (TTM) in comatose pediatric survivors of cardiac arrest?

Answer: 32–34°C or 36–37.5°C depending on protocol

Current PALS guidelines support either 32–34°C or 36–37.5°C as acceptable TTM targets for comatose pediatric patients after cardiac arrest.

A 7-year-old is post-cardiac arrest with a MAP of 45 mmHg. Which agent is MOST appropriate as first-line vasopressor support?

Answer: Epinephrine or dopamine

Epinephrine or dopamine are first-line vasopressors to maintain adequate blood pressure and end-organ perfusion post-ROSC.

How long should active fever prevention be maintained after cardiac arrest in a child managed with TTM?

Answer: At least 72 hours post-arrest

Fever prevention should continue for at least 72 hours post-arrest because hyperthermia worsens neurological injury during the recovery period.