PALS Pharmacology 4

Question 1

A neonate in cardiogenic shock from ductal-dependent congenital heart disease requires which medication to keep the ductus arteriosus open?

Accepted Answer

Prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil)

Answer

Prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) maintains or reopens the ductus arteriosus in neonates with ductal-dependent congenital heart defects.

Question 2

A 5-year-old presents with a heroin overdose and respiratory arrest. Which medication is administered first?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Naloxone is the opioid antagonist used to reverse respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose.

Question 3

What is the preferred route for naloxone administration when IV access is unavailable in a child?

Accepted Answer

Intranasal or IM

Answer

Intranasal or intramuscular naloxone is effective when IV/IO access is unavailable and is widely recommended in PALS.

Question 4

Which medication is used to treat supraventricular tachycardia in a hemodynamically stable child when adenosine fails?

Accepted Answer

Verapamil (only in children > 1 year)

Answer

Verapamil may be considered for SVT in children older than 1 year if adenosine fails, but is contraindicated in infants due to risk of cardiovascular collapse.

Question 5

A child in status epilepticus unresponsive to benzodiazepines is given phenobarbital. What is the primary concern with rapid IV administration?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression and hypotension

Answer

Rapid IV phenobarbital can cause respiratory depression and hypotension, requiring careful monitoring and airway readiness.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS Pharmacology 4