PALS Post-Cardiac Arrest Care 5

Question 1

A 5-year-old resuscitated from VF arrest is now post-ROSC. Which underlying condition should be considered and investigated?

Accepted Answer

Structural heart disease or inherited channelopathy

Answer

VF in a child is uncommon and warrants evaluation for structural heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or inherited ion channelopathies such as long QT syndrome.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the role of echocardiography in post-cardiac arrest pediatric care?

Accepted Answer

It evaluates myocardial function and guides fluid and vasopressor management

Answer

Echocardiography assesses post-arrest myocardial dysfunction and helps titrate hemodynamic support including fluids and vasoactive medications.

Question 3

During post-arrest care, a child develops refractory shock despite epinephrine infusion. What should be considered next?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate for tension pneumothorax, tamponade, or other reversible causes

Answer

Refractory shock post-arrest should prompt reassessment for treatable causes such as tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, or metabolic abnormalities.

Question 4

What is the purpose of continuous capnography monitoring in the post-arrest pediatric patient?

Accepted Answer

To confirm endotracheal tube position and monitor ventilation adequacy

Answer

Continuous capnography confirms ongoing ETT placement and helps titrate ventilation to normocapnia during the post-arrest period.

Question 5

A child post-ROSC has lactic acidosis with a pH of 7.15. What is the MOST appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Optimize ventilation, oxygenation, and perfusion to clear the lactate

Answer

Post-arrest lactic acidosis usually resolves with optimizing perfusion; sodium bicarbonate is not routinely recommended and does not improve outcomes.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS Post-Cardiac Arrest Care 5