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Shock Management Flashcards

7 cards from real PALS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Shock Management flashcards as text

  1. A 3-year-old presents with HR 170, BP 60/40, cool mottled extremities, and altered mental status after a bee sting. Which type of shock is most likely?

    Answer: Distributive (anaphylactic) shock

    Anaphylactic shock is a form of distributive shock triggered by allergen exposure, causing massive vasodilation and hypotension.

  2. In a pediatric patient with septic shock, what is the recommended initial fluid bolus dose per PALS guidelines?

    Answer: 20 mL/kg isotonic crystalloid

    PALS recommends 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid as the initial fluid bolus for septic shock, repeated as needed up to 60 mL/kg.

  3. A child in distributive shock remains hypotensive after 60 mL/kg of IV fluids. Which vasoactive agent is the FIRST-LINE choice for warm (vasodilatory) septic shock?

    Answer: Norepinephrine

    Norepinephrine is preferred for warm distributive shock because its alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction counteracts pathologic vasodilation.

  4. Which finding is the MOST reliable early indicator of shock in a pediatric patient?

    Answer: Tachycardia

    Tachycardia is typically the earliest compensatory response to shock in children; hypotension is a late and ominous sign.

  5. A 6-month-old has HR 210, CRT 4 sec, cool extremities, and normal BP. This presentation is best classified as:

    Answer: Compensated shock

    Compensated shock maintains normal blood pressure through physiologic compensation; decompensated shock is defined by hypotension.

  6. Which crystalloid solution is preferred for initial fluid resuscitation in pediatric shock per current PALS guidelines?

    Answer: Lactated Ringer's or normal saline

    Isotonic solutions such as normal saline or lactated Ringer's are recommended to restore intravascular volume without causing hyponatremia.

  7. In obstructive shock due to tension pneumothorax, what is the definitive emergency intervention?

    Answer: Needle decompression of the affected side

    Needle decompression releases the trapped air causing mediastinal shift, immediately relieving the obstruction to cardiac output.