PALS Cardiac Arrest 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 7-year-old is in cardiac arrest. Two rescuers are present. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio?
- 30:2
- 15:2 (Correct answer)
- 15:1
- 5:1
Correct answer: 15:2
Two-rescuer pediatric CPR uses a 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio, unlike the 30:2 for single rescuers or adults.
Question 2: Which of the following is the most common initial cardiac rhythm found in pediatric cardiac arrest?
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
- Asystole/PEA (Correct answer)
- Atrial fibrillation
Correct answer: Asystole/PEA
Asystole and PEA are the most common arrest rhythms in children, reflecting hypoxia as the primary etiology.
Question 3: During CPR for a child with an advanced airway in place, what is the recommended ventilation rate?
- 1 breath every 2-3 seconds (20-30/min)
- 1 breath every 6 seconds (10/min) (Correct answer)
- 1 breath every 3 seconds (20/min)
- 2 breaths every 30 compressions
Correct answer: 1 breath every 6 seconds (10/min)
With an advanced airway, deliver asynchronous ventilations at 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) without pausing compressions.
Question 4: Amiodarone is being considered for a child in refractory VF. What is the correct IV/IO dose?
- 1 mg/kg
- 5 mg/kg (Correct answer)
- 10 mg/kg
- 15 mg/kg
Correct answer: 5 mg/kg
Amiodarone 5 mg/kg IV/IO is the PALS dose for shock-refractory VF or pulseless VT.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the correct depth of chest compressions in a school-age child (not infant)?
- 1 inch
- At least 1.5 inches (about one-third AP chest diameter) (Correct answer)
- At least 2 inches
- As deep as possible regardless of size
Correct answer: At least 1.5 inches (about one-third AP chest diameter)
For children, compress at least one-third the anterior-posterior chest diameter, approximately 2 inches (5 cm).
Question 6: A neonate in the delivery room fails to respond after initial resuscitation steps. What is the oxygen concentration recommended when initiating positive-pressure ventilation?
- 100% oxygen
- 21% oxygen (room air) (Correct answer)
- 40% oxygen
- 60% oxygen
Correct answer: 21% oxygen (room air)
For term newborns, resuscitation begins with room air (21% O2); supplemental oxygen is titrated based on SpO2.
Question 7: What is the maximum single dose of epinephrine (1:10,000) that should be given IV/IO to a child during cardiac arrest?
- 0.5 mg
- 1 mg (Correct answer)
- 2 mg
- There is no maximum — dose only by weight
Correct answer: 1 mg
The maximum single IV/IO epinephrine dose is 1 mg, regardless of calculated weight-based dose.
PALS Cardiac Arrest 3
A 7-year-old is in cardiac arrest.
Two rescuers are present.
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio?