PEARS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PEARS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the first-line drug for stable SVT in a child when vagal maneuvers have failed? → Adenosine
2. Which rhythm is characterized by absent P waves, narrow QRS complexes, and a rate of 40-60 bpm? → Junctional escape rhythm
3. Which condition is considered a respiratory emergency in pediatrics? → Severe asthma exacerbation
4. Which component of the pediatric assessment triangle indicates respiratory distress? → Work of breathing
5. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) in the PEARS systematic assessment? → To form a rapid general impression and determine the urgency for care
6. Why is effective teamwork essential in pediatric emergencies? → To ensure coordinated and efficient care
7. What is the purpose of 12-lead ECG monitoring in the immediate post-ROSC period? → Identify arrhythmias and reversible causes such as prolonged QT or ST changes
8. How can leaders improve team performance during pediatric emergencies? → Providing clear direction and delegating tasks
9. A child is in cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation. What energy dose is used for the first defibrillation? → 2 J/kg
10. Which clinical sign best indicates that a post-ROSC pediatric patient is developing re-arrest risk? → Increasing bradycardia with decreasing blood pressure
11. Which rhythm is characterized by chaotic, irregular electrical activity with no identifiable P waves or QRS complexes? → Ventricular fibrillation
12. What is the recommended approach to ventilator settings immediately after intubation in a post-ROSC pediatric patient? → Titrate to achieve normocarbia and appropriate SpO2; avoid hyperventilation
13. What is the first step in the pediatric assessment triangle? → Appearance
14. What temperature management strategy should be used for a pediatric patient who remains comatose after ROSC? → Targeted temperature management to prevent hyperthermia
15. Which of the following describes the correct hand placement for performing chest compressions on a 6-year-old child? → The heel of one or two hands on the lower half of the sternum.
16. After pediatric ROSC, which lab value best reflects end-organ perfusion adequacy? → Serum lactate
17. What is a common sign of early shock in children? → Tachycardia
18. Which monitoring tool provides the most reliable continuous assessment of cardiac output trends during post-resuscitation care? → Continuous pulse oximetry and arterial blood pressure monitoring
19. What contributes to effective team support during a pediatric code? → Conducting regular team drills
20. When IV access cannot be rapidly established in a critically ill pediatric patient, what is the preferred alternative vascular access route? → Intraosseous (IO) access
21. What does a capillary refill time longer than 2 seconds suggest in a child? → Delayed perfusion
22. Which antiarrhythmic drug is recommended for VF or pulseless VT refractory to defibrillation in children? → Amiodarone
23. A pediatric patient in anaphylaxis requires epinephrine. What is the preferred route and dose? → Intramuscular (IM) into the anterolateral thigh, 0.01 mg/kg of 1:1,000 (max 0.5 mg)
24. What is the priority when stabilizing a child with respiratory failure? → Ensure adequate oxygen and ventilation
25. A Broselow tape is used during a pediatric emergency primarily to: → Estimate weight-based medication doses and equipment sizes
26. How do you confirm effective chest compressions in pediatric CPR? → Chest rise and palpable pulse
27. A child has wide-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm with hypotension and altered mental status. What is the priority treatment? → Perform synchronized cardioversion
28. You are assessing an unresponsive 9-month-old. Which of the following is the correct anatomical site to check for a pulse in this patient? → Brachial artery
29. Which fluid is recommended as the first-line resuscitation fluid for hypovolemic shock in a pediatric patient? → Isotonic crystalloid (0.9% normal saline or lactated Ringer's)
30. Which oxygen saturation target is recommended during post-resuscitation care in pediatric patients to avoid hyperoxia? → 94%–99%