PALS High-Quality Pediatric BLS 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During pediatric CPR, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio when TWO rescuers are present and the child has no advanced airway?
- 30:2
- 15:2 (Correct answer)
- 15:1
- 30:1
Correct answer: 15:2
Two-rescuer pediatric CPR uses a 15:2 ratio to provide more ventilations relative to compressions compared to adult CPR.
Question 2: When performing chest compressions on an infant, which hand position technique allows a single rescuer to achieve adequate depth?
- Two-finger technique on the lower half of the sternum (Correct answer)
- Heel of one hand on the upper sternum
- Two thumbs side-by-side on the mid-sternum
- Full hand encircling the chest
Correct answer: Two-finger technique on the lower half of the sternum
A single rescuer uses two fingers on the lower half of the infant's sternum (just below the nipple line) to deliver compressions.
Question 3: What is the minimum acceptable fraction of chest compression time (CCF) during resuscitation to be considered high-quality CPR?
- 60%
- 70%
- 80% (Correct answer)
- 90%
Correct answer: 80%
A chest compression fraction of at least 80% is the minimum target to minimize interruptions during high-quality CPR.
Question 4: A child is unresponsive and not breathing normally. You are alone. After calling for help, what is the FIRST action before starting CPR?
- Give 2 rescue breaths
- Check for a pulse for up to 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- Apply an AED immediately
- Begin 30 chest compressions
Correct answer: Check for a pulse for up to 10 seconds
Before starting CPR, briefly check for a pulse (no more than 10 seconds) to determine if compressions are needed.
Question 5: During two-rescuer infant CPR, the two thumb-encircling technique is preferred because it:
- Is easier to perform for untrained bystanders
- Generates higher systolic blood pressure and coronary perfusion pressure (Correct answer)
- Reduces the risk of rib fractures compared to the two-finger method
- Allows faster compression rates than any other technique
Correct answer: Generates higher systolic blood pressure and coronary perfusion pressure
The two thumb-encircling technique generates higher coronary perfusion pressure and systolic blood pressure, improving outcomes.
Question 6: What is the correct compression depth for a child (1 year to puberty) during high-quality CPR?
- At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
- At least 2 inches (5 cm) (Correct answer)
- At least 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Correct answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm)
For children aged 1 year to puberty, compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes allowing full chest recoil during CPR?
- Lifting hands completely off the chest between compressions
- Releasing pressure so the chest returns to its natural position without leaning (Correct answer)
- Pausing for 1 second between each compression
- Reducing compression depth on alternate compressions
Correct answer: Releasing pressure so the chest returns to its natural position without leaning
Full recoil means releasing all pressure so the chest fully expands without the rescuer leaning, which allows the heart to refill between compressions.
During pediatric CPR, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio when TWO rescuers are present and the child has no advanced airway?