PEARS Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the PEARS exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 PEARS Exam Format at a Glance

33
Questions
45 min
Time Limit
84%
Passing Score

📚 PEARS Topics to Study (21)

✍️ Sample PEARS Questions & Answers

1. Amiodarone is indicated in pediatric cardiac arrest for which refractory condition?
Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia unresponsive to defibrillation

Amiodarone is used for shock-refractory VF or pulseless VT, given at 5 mg/kg IV/IO bolus during resuscitation.

2. You and a colleague are performing high-quality, two-rescuer CPR on a 4-year-old child. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio that should be used?
15 compressions to 2 breaths

For two-rescuer CPR on an infant or child, the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio is 15:2. This ratio provides more frequent ventilations compared to the 30:2 ratio used for single-rescuer CPR, which is critical as pediatric cardiac arrest is often secondary to respiratory issues.

3. 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

Targeting normocarbia and SpO2 94%–99% avoids secondary brain injury from both hypoxia and excessive CO2 changes.

4. Why is effective teamwork essential in pediatric emergencies?
To ensure coordinated and efficient care

Teamwork ensures timely, coordinated care, reducing errors and improving outcomes in pediatric emergencies.

5. How can leaders improve team performance during pediatric emergencies?
Providing clear direction and delegating tasks

Clear delegation of tasks and calm guidance from leaders help keep the team organized and effective.

6. A pediatric patient is hemodynamically unstable after ROSC with signs of poor perfusion. What is the first-line intervention?
IV fluid bolus of isotonic crystalloid (10–20 mL/kg)

An isotonic crystalloid bolus of 10–20 mL/kg is the first-line treatment for post-ROSC hemodynamic instability before escalating to vasopressors.

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Your PEARS Study Path
1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation
PEARS Study Guide 2026 — Exam Format, Topics & Practice Questions