PALS Post-Cardiac Arrest Care 2

Question 1

What is the recommended target PaCO2 range during post-cardiac arrest care in pediatric patients?

Accepted Answer

35–45 mmHg

Answer

Normocapnia (PaCO2 35–45 mmHg) is targeted to avoid cerebral vasoconstriction from hypocapnia or vasodilation and increased ICP from hypercapnia.

Question 2

A post-cardiac arrest child has a blood glucose of 240 mg/dL. What is the recommended action?

Accepted Answer

Treat hyperglycemia while avoiding hypoglycemia

Answer

Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia worsen neurological outcomes, so glucose should be managed to normoglycemia.

Question 3

Which intervention is MOST appropriate to assess neurological recovery after pediatric cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Continuous EEG monitoring

Answer

Continuous EEG monitoring is recommended post-arrest to detect seizures, which are common and may be non-convulsive.

Question 4

Post-ROSC, a child's SpO2 is 98% on FiO2 1.0. What adjustment should be made?

Accepted Answer

Titrate FiO2 down to maintain SpO2 94–99%

Answer

Hyperoxia worsens reperfusion injury; FiO2 should be titrated to maintain SpO2 94–99% after ROSC.

Question 5

Which temperature range is recommended for targeted temperature management (TTM) in comatose pediatric survivors of cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

32–34°C or 36–37.5°C depending on protocol

Answer

Current PALS guidelines support either 32–34°C or 36–37.5°C as acceptable TTM targets for comatose pediatric patients after cardiac arrest.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test