PEARS Vascular Access and Medication Administration Flashcards

When administering a medication via IO route, what confirms correct IO needle placement before drug administration?

Answer: The needle stands upright without support, marrow can be aspirated, and fluid infuses without subcutaneous swelling

Correct IO placement is confirmed by a needle that stands upright, ability to aspirate marrow, and free fluid flow without extravasation.

Which medication is used to treat hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest in pediatric patients?

Answer: Calcium chloride or calcium gluconate IV

Calcium chloride or calcium gluconate stabilizes cardiac membranes against the toxic effects of hyperkalemia and is a key treatment in hyperkalemia-induced arrest.

What is the role of sodium bicarbonate in pediatric resuscitation?

Answer: Treat severe metabolic acidosis or hyperkalemia when other treatments have been initiated

Sodium bicarbonate is reserved for documented severe metabolic acidosis or specific situations like hyperkalemia or tricyclic antidepressant toxicity, not routine arrest use.

A pediatric patient in anaphylaxis requires epinephrine. What is the preferred route and dose?

Answer: Intramuscular (IM) into the anterolateral thigh, 0.01 mg/kg of 1:1,000 (max 0.5 mg)

IM epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg of 1:1,000 solution (max 0.5 mg) into the anterolateral thigh provides the fastest absorption for anaphylaxis treatment.

What precaution must be taken when administering calcium chloride rapidly IV in pediatric resuscitation?

Answer: Ensure IV patency and avoid extravasation; give slowly through a confirmed IV to prevent tissue necrosis

Calcium chloride is highly irritating to tissues; extravasation can cause severe necrosis, so confirmed IV patency and careful administration are essential.

In pediatric resuscitation, which action should be performed before administering any weight-based medication if the child's weight is unknown?

Answer: Estimate weight using a length-based tape (Broselow) or the formula 2 × (age + 4) for children over 1 year

Length-based estimation (Broselow tape) or the age-based formula provides a rapid, sufficiently accurate weight estimate to calculate safe medication doses.