PALS Airway Management

Question 1

What is the preferred initial airway opening maneuver for an unresponsive pediatric patient without suspected cervical spine injury?

Accepted Answer

Head-tilt chin-lift maneuver

Answer

Head-tilt chin-lift is the preferred initial airway opening maneuver in patients without suspected cervical spine injury because it quickly repositions anatomy to open the airway.

Question 2

Which oxygen delivery device provides the highest concentration of supplemental oxygen to a spontaneously breathing child in respiratory distress?

Accepted Answer

Non-rebreather mask at 10–15 L/min

Answer

A non-rebreather mask with flow rates of 10–15 L/min can deliver oxygen concentrations up to 90–95% by preventing exhaled gas from diluting the oxygen supply.

Question 3

When performing bag-mask ventilation on a child with a pulse but absent respirations, what is the recommended ventilation rate?

Accepted Answer

12–20 breaths per minute

Answer

For a child with a pulse, deliver 1 breath every 3–5 seconds (12–20 breaths per minute) to support oxygenation without causing hyperventilation.

Question 4

What is the correct method for sizing an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) in a pediatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Measure from the center of the mouth to the angle of the jaw

Answer

The OPA is sized by measuring from the center of the mouth (midline of lips) to the angle of the jaw to ensure correct airway length.

Question 5

In which clinical situation should a jaw thrust be used instead of a head-tilt chin-lift for airway management?

Accepted Answer

When cervical spine injury is suspected

Answer

The jaw thrust without head extension is preferred when cervical spine injury is suspected because it opens the airway without moving the neck.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS Airway Management