PEARS Cardiac Arrest Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During pediatric CPR, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?
- 15:2
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 5:1
- 10:2
Correct answer: 30:2
A single rescuer uses a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for pediatric CPR regardless of age.
Question 2: A 7-year-old is in cardiac arrest. Two rescuers are present. What compression-to-ventilation ratio should they use?
- 30:2
- 15:2 (Correct answer)
- 10:1
- 20:2
Correct answer: 15:2
Two rescuers performing CPR on a child use a 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio to optimize oxygenation.
Question 3: Which rhythm is most commonly associated with pediatric cardiac arrest?
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Asystole or pulseless electrical activity (Correct answer)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Supraventricular tachycardia
Correct answer: Asystole or pulseless electrical activity
Pediatric cardiac arrest is most often caused by respiratory failure leading to asystole or PEA, not a primary cardiac event.
Question 4: When performing chest compressions on an infant, what is the preferred two-rescuer technique?
- Two-finger technique on the sternum
- Heel-of-hand technique
- Two thumb-encircling hands technique (Correct answer)
- One-hand compression technique
Correct answer: Two thumb-encircling hands technique
The two thumb-encircling hands technique is preferred for two-rescuer infant CPR because it generates higher coronary perfusion pressure.
Question 5: What is the recommended compression depth for a 4-year-old child during CPR?
- At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- At least 2 inches (5 cm)
- At least 1.5 inches (4 cm) (Correct answer)
- At least 2.5 inches (6 cm)
Correct answer: At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
For children, compress the chest at least one-third the anterior-posterior depth, approximately 2 inches (5 cm), but the guideline target is at least 2 inches.
Question 6: After achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a pediatric patient, what is a key post-resuscitation priority?
- Immediately begin oral feeding
- Avoid oxygen supplementation
- Prevent hyperthermia and hypoglycemia (Correct answer)
- Discontinue IV access
Correct answer: Prevent hyperthermia and hypoglycemia
Post-ROSC care includes avoiding hyperthermia, preventing hypoglycemia, and maintaining adequate perfusion to prevent secondary brain injury.
Question 7: Which of the following represents an H that should be considered as a reversible cause during pediatric cardiac arrest?
- Hypertension
- Hyperkalemia (Correct answer)
- Hypernatremia
- Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is one of the Hs in the Hs and Ts framework for identifying reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
PEARS Cardiac Arrest Care 2
During pediatric CPR, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?