PALS Managing Respiratory Emergencies 5

Question 1

A 4-year-old is in respiratory failure from severe pneumonia. Tidal volume during bag-mask ventilation should be targeted at which amount?

Accepted Answer

5–8 mL/kg

Answer

PALS recommends tidal volumes of 5–8 mL/kg for pediatric bag-mask ventilation to provide adequate ventilation while avoiding barotrauma.

Question 2

Which of the following is a sign of 'compensated' respiratory distress rather than 'decompensated' respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia with maintained SpO2 ≥94%

Answer

In compensated respiratory distress the child works harder to breathe but maintains oxygenation; decompensation occurs when compensatory mechanisms fail.

Question 3

A child receives succinylcholine for RSI. Which contraindication should have been ruled out before administration?

Accepted Answer

Known or suspected hyperkalemia or crush injury

Answer

Succinylcholine can cause fatal hyperkalemia in patients with crush injuries, burns, denervation injuries, or pre-existing hyperkalemia — it must be avoided in these cases.

Question 4

A 1-year-old with a history of prematurity presents with wheeze and respiratory distress. The parents report this is the first episode. What additional history finding would support reactive airway disease over bronchiolitis?

Accepted Answer

Family history of atopy and asthma

Answer

A strong family history of atopy or asthma in a first-episode wheeze shifts the diagnosis toward reactive airway disease, although this age group often has overlapping presentations.

Question 5

Which initial action is most appropriate when a 2-year-old with suspected partial foreign body airway obstruction presents with stridor, coughing, and a weak cry but is still moving air?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the child to continue coughing and monitor closely

Answer

In partial airway obstruction with an effective cough, allowing the child to clear the obstruction spontaneously by coughing is preferred over blind maneuvers that could worsen the obstruction.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS Managing Respiratory Emergencies 5