Cardiac Arrest Care Flashcards

During pediatric CPR, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?

Answer: 30:2

A single rescuer uses a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for pediatric CPR regardless of age.

A 7-year-old is in cardiac arrest. Two rescuers are present. What compression-to-ventilation ratio should they use?

Answer: 15:2

Two rescuers performing CPR on a child use a 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio to optimize oxygenation.

Which rhythm is most commonly associated with pediatric cardiac arrest?

Answer: Asystole or pulseless electrical activity

Pediatric cardiac arrest is most often caused by respiratory failure leading to asystole or PEA, not a primary cardiac event.

When performing chest compressions on an infant, what is the preferred two-rescuer technique?

Answer: Two thumb-encircling hands technique

The two thumb-encircling hands technique is preferred for two-rescuer infant CPR because it generates higher coronary perfusion pressure.

What is the recommended compression depth for a 4-year-old child during CPR?

Answer: At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)

For children, compress the chest at least one-third the anterior-posterior depth, approximately 2 inches (5 cm), but the guideline target is at least 2 inches.

After achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a pediatric patient, what is a key post-resuscitation priority?

Answer: Prevent hyperthermia and hypoglycemia

Post-ROSC care includes avoiding hyperthermia, preventing hypoglycemia, and maintaining adequate perfusion to prevent secondary brain injury.

Which of the following represents an H that should be considered as a reversible cause during pediatric cardiac arrest?

Answer: Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is one of the Hs in the Hs and Ts framework for identifying reversible causes of cardiac arrest.

When is it appropriate to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) on an infant under 1 year of age?

Answer: AEDs can be used with pediatric pads if a manual defibrillator is unavailable

An AED with pediatric dose-attenuating pads may be used on infants when a manual defibrillator is not available.

What does PEA stand for in the context of cardiac arrest?

Answer: Pulseless Electrical Activity

PEA (Pulseless Electrical Activity) describes organized cardiac electrical activity on the monitor without a palpable pulse.

A 10-year-old is found unresponsive with no pulse. The cardiac monitor shows a fine disorganized waveform. What is the next step?

Answer: Deliver a defibrillation shock immediately

Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm; deliver defibrillation as soon as possible while CPR continues.

Which of the following best describes the recommended rate of chest compressions during pediatric CPR?

Answer: 100-120 compressions per minute

High-quality CPR requires compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute for both adults and children.

After achieving ROSC in a pediatric patient, the SpO2 is 99% on 100% FiO2. What adjustment is recommended?

Answer: Titrate oxygen to maintain SpO2 94-99% to avoid hyperoxia

Post-ROSC, titrate oxygen to maintain SpO2 between 94-99% because hyperoxia can worsen neurological injury.

A child is in cardiac arrest due to suspected hyperkalemia. Which medication may be administered to stabilize the cardiac membrane?

Answer: Calcium chloride or calcium gluconate

Calcium (calcium chloride or gluconate) is given to stabilize the cardiac membrane in hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest.

Why is it important to allow full chest recoil between compressions during CPR?

Answer: To allow the heart to refill with blood and maximize cardiac output

Full chest recoil allows ventricular refilling between compressions, which is essential for generating effective cardiac output.

How often should epinephrine be administered during a pediatric cardiac arrest resuscitation?

Answer: Every 3-5 minutes

Epinephrine is given every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest to maintain its vasopressor effect.

A child in cardiac arrest has suspected cardiac tamponade. What is the definitive emergency treatment?

Answer: Pericardiocentesis to drain the pericardial fluid

Pericardiocentesis is the definitive treatment for cardiac tamponade, which is one of the Ts in the reversible causes of cardiac arrest.

During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader should assign roles at the start. What is the primary benefit of this practice?

Answer: It ensures organized, efficient resuscitation by preventing task overlap and confusion

Assigning clear roles prevents task overlap, ensures all critical interventions are covered, and improves resuscitation team efficiency.

A 3-year-old is in pulseless ventricular tachycardia. After the first shock at 2 J/kg fails, what energy dose should be used for the second shock?

Answer: 4 J/kg or higher

Subsequent defibrillation attempts use 4 J/kg or higher after the initial 2 J/kg dose fails.

Which of the following is the preferred route for drug administration when IV access cannot be rapidly established during cardiac arrest?

Answer: Intraosseous (IO) route

Intraosseous (IO) access provides rapid, reliable vascular access when IV access cannot be quickly established during cardiac arrest.

What is the appropriate action if the rhythm check after 2 minutes of CPR reveals asystole?

Answer: Resume CPR immediately and continue looking for reversible causes

Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm; resume CPR immediately, give epinephrine, and address reversible causes (Hs and Ts).