PEARS Post-Resuscitation Care and Monitoring Flashcards

Which clinical sign best indicates that a post-ROSC pediatric patient is developing re-arrest risk?

Answer: Increasing bradycardia with decreasing blood pressure

Bradycardia combined with falling blood pressure is a critical warning sign of impending cardiovascular collapse and re-arrest.

When should vasopressor support be initiated in a post-ROSC pediatric patient?

Answer: When hypotension persists despite adequate fluid resuscitation

Vasopressors are indicated when fluid-refractory hypotension persists, indicating inadequate vascular tone or cardiac function.

What is the purpose of 12-lead ECG monitoring in the immediate post-ROSC period?

Answer: Identify arrhythmias and reversible causes such as prolonged QT or ST changes

Post-ROSC ECG can reveal arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, or ischemic changes that guide ongoing management.

A post-resuscitation child is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which parameter change would suggest worsening respiratory compliance?

Answer: Increasing peak inspiratory pressure at the same tidal volume

Rising peak inspiratory pressure at a constant tidal volume indicates decreasing lung compliance, signaling a potential pulmonary complication.

Why is family-centered care important in the post-resuscitation phase?

Answer: Family presence supports the child emotionally and aids communication about prognosis and care goals

Family-centered care provides emotional support to the child, reduces parental distress, and facilitates shared decision-making about ongoing care.

Which reversible cause of cardiac arrest should be specifically assessed during the post-ROSC evaluation using the 'Hs and Ts' framework?

Answer: Hypovolemia, hypoxia, hypothermia, tension pneumothorax, and tamponade

The Hs and Ts framework identifies reversible causes (hypovolemia, hypoxia, hypothermia, tension pneumothorax, tamponade, toxins, thrombosis) that must be addressed to prevent re-arrest.