PALS Bradycardia With a Pulse 5

Question 1

A 5-year-old receives atropine 0.02 mg/kg for symptomatic bradycardia. Five minutes later the HR is unchanged at 50 bpm. The maximum total atropine dose is:

Accepted Answer

0.04 mg/kg (max 1 mg in children)

Answer

PALS allows a repeat atropine dose of 0.02 mg/kg; the maximum total dose is 1 mg for children.

Question 2

A teenager is found bradycardic with a HR of 38 bpm after taking a calcium channel blocker overdose. Which treatment is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

High-dose insulin euglycemic therapy and calcium chloride IV

Answer

Calcium channel blocker overdose is treated with IV calcium (calcium chloride or gluconate) and high-dose insulin euglycemic therapy to restore cardiac function.

Question 3

During a code, a 7-year-old is bradycardic and unresponsive despite two doses of atropine and one dose of epinephrine. The team starts CPR. What compression-to-ventilation ratio is correct for a 2-rescuer pediatric CPR scenario (intubated)?

Accepted Answer

Continuous compressions at 100–120/min with asynchronous ventilations at 1 breath every 2–3 seconds

Answer

Once an advanced airway is in place for a child, CPR delivers continuous compressions at 100–120/min with asynchronous breaths at 1 per 2–3 seconds.

Question 4

A 6-month-old has a HR of 72 bpm with capillary refill of 4 seconds and poor feeding. What is the most likely cause of bradycardia in this age group?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxia or respiratory compromise

Answer

In infants, respiratory compromise and hypoxia are the most common causes of bradycardia; respiratory assessment is the priority.

Question 5

Which statement correctly describes the role of pacing in PALS bradycardia management?

Accepted Answer

Pacing is indicated only after drugs fail and for patients with heart block or sinus node dysfunction

Answer

Pacing is a secondary option in PALS, used when pharmacotherapy fails or for refractory heart block and sinus node dysfunction.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS Bradycardia With a Pulse 5