Cardiac Arrest Care Flashcards

A child in cardiac arrest has a shockable rhythm. After the first defibrillation attempt, what should be done immediately?

Answer: Resume CPR for 2 minutes before rechecking the rhythm

After defibrillation, immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes before pausing to recheck the rhythm, as the heart needs time to recover.

What is the recommended initial energy dose for defibrillation in a pediatric patient?

Answer: 2 J/kg

The initial defibrillation dose in children is 2 J/kg, with subsequent doses increased to 4 J/kg or greater.

Which of the following is a 'T' in the Hs and Ts mnemonic for reversible causes of cardiac arrest?

Answer: Toxins

Toxins (such as drug ingestion or poisoning) are one of the Ts in the reversible causes framework for cardiac arrest.

During resuscitation of a child, epinephrine is ordered. What is the standard IV/IO dose?

Answer: 0.01 mg/kg

The standard IV/IO dose of epinephrine during cardiac arrest is 0.01 mg/kg (1:10,000 concentration) every 3-5 minutes.

What is the maximum single dose of epinephrine given IV/IO during pediatric cardiac arrest?

Answer: 1 mg

The maximum single epinephrine dose is 1 mg regardless of weight during pediatric cardiac arrest.

Tension pneumothorax is suspected as a reversible cause of cardiac arrest. What is the immediate treatment?

Answer: Needle decompression of the affected side

Needle decompression (needle thoracostomy) is the immediate treatment for tension pneumothorax during cardiac arrest.

During CPR, which intravenous medication is the first-line drug for ventricular fibrillation refractory to defibrillation?

Answer: Amiodarone

Amiodarone is the first-line antiarrhythmic for shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia in children.