PALS Post-Cardiac Arrest Care 3

Question 1

What hemodynamic goal is targeted for systolic blood pressure in post-cardiac arrest pediatric patients?

Accepted Answer

At or above the 5th percentile for age

Answer

Post-arrest resuscitation targets systolic BP at or above the 5th percentile for age to ensure adequate organ perfusion.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'post-cardiac arrest syndrome'?

Accepted Answer

Systemic ischemia-reperfusion response affecting brain, heart, and other organs

Answer

Post-cardiac arrest syndrome is a global ischemia-reperfusion injury affecting the brain, myocardium, and systemic vasculature after ROSC.

Question 3

Which imaging modality is most useful for prognostication of neurological outcome days after pediatric cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Brain MRI

Answer

Brain MRI performed 2–7 days post-arrest provides the most accurate prognostic information about neurological outcome.

Question 4

A child develops recurrent seizures 6 hours after ROSC despite one dose of lorazepam. What is the next appropriate step?

Accepted Answer

Administer fosphenytoin or levetiracetam

Answer

Benzodiazepine-refractory seizures should be treated with a second-line anticonvulsant such as fosphenytoin or levetiracetam per PALS protocols.

Question 5

During TTM rewarming, what rate of temperature increase is recommended to minimize secondary injury?

Accepted Answer

0.1–0.5°C per hour

Answer

Slow controlled rewarming at 0.1–0.5°C per hour prevents rebound fever and secondary neurological injury.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test