PEARS Post-Resuscitation Care and Monitoring Flashcards

After return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a pediatric patient, what is the primary goal of post-resuscitation care?

Answer: Prevent re-arrest and optimize organ perfusion

Post-resuscitation care focuses on preventing re-arrest and ensuring adequate perfusion to vital organs to limit secondary injury.

Which oxygen saturation target is recommended during post-resuscitation care in pediatric patients to avoid hyperoxia?

Answer: 94%–99%

Titrating oxygen to maintain SpO2 of 94%–99% avoids both hypoxia and harmful hyperoxia after ROSC.

What temperature management strategy should be used for a pediatric patient who remains comatose after ROSC?

Answer: Targeted temperature management to prevent hyperthermia

Current guidelines recommend preventing fever and maintaining normothermia or mild hypothermia (32°C–36°C) in comatose post-ROSC patients.

Which blood glucose level range is appropriate to target during post-resuscitation care in pediatric patients?

Answer: Normal age-appropriate glucose levels (avoid hypoglycemia and significant hyperglycemia)

Both hypoglycemia and severe hyperglycemia worsen neurological outcomes, so maintaining age-appropriate normoglycemia is the goal.

A child achieves ROSC after cardiac arrest. What ventilation parameter should be carefully monitored to prevent secondary brain injury?

Answer: End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) to maintain normocarbia

Monitoring ETCO2 to target normocapnia (35–45 mmHg) prevents vasoconstriction from hypocarbia or vasodilation from hypercarbia.

Which finding after ROSC should prompt immediate reassessment and possible intervention in a pediatric patient?

Answer: Persistent hypotension below age-appropriate thresholds

Persistent hypotension after ROSC indicates inadequate perfusion and requires fluid resuscitation or vasopressor support.