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Heartcode PALS Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
When should you consider stopping CPR in a pediatric patient?✔✔When the child shows signs of life, a trained provider takes over, or the rescuer is too exhausted to continue.
What is the immediate treatment for a child with a heart rate less than 60 bpm and poor perfusion despite oxygenation and ventilation?✔✔Begin chest compressions and administer epinephrine.
How do you adjust defibrillation energy for a child under 8 years old?✔✔Use 2–4 J/kg for the first shock, with a maximum of 10 J/kg or adult dose.
What is the most critical action before defibrillating a child in ventricular fibrillation?✔✔Ensuring no one is touching the patient to avoid accidental shock.
What is the preferred method for securing an advanced airway in pediatric resuscitation? 1 / 4
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✔✔Waveform capnography to confirm and monitor placement continuously.
Why should you avoid excessive ventilation during CPR?✔✔It can decrease venous return to the heart and reduce cardiac output.
What is the primary purpose of giving rescue breaths during pediatric CPR?✔✔To provide oxygen to the lungs and maintain blood oxygenation when spontaneous breathing is absent.
When should you use a bag-mask device instead of mouth-to-mouth breaths for a child?✔✔Whenever a bag-mask is available, as it delivers better oxygen concentration and reduces infection risk.
How deep should chest compressions be for an infant during CPR?✔✔Approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm), or about one-third the depth of the chest.
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a child in cardiac arrest when two rescuers are present? 2 / 4
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✔✔15 compressions to 2 ventilations.
Why is it important to minimize interruptions during chest compressions?✔✔Interruptions decrease blood flow to the heart and brain, reducing the chance of survival.
What is the first medication you should administer in a pediatric patient with pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)?✔✔Epinephrine (1:10,000 concentration) as soon as IV/IO access is available.
How do you confirm proper endotracheal tube placement in a child?✔✔By observing chest rise, listening for bilateral breath sounds, and confirming with waveform capnography.
What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in infants?✔✔Respiratory failure or shock, rather than a primary cardiac issue.
When should you consider using an AED on a child?✔✔As soon as it is available, using pediatric pads or an energy reducer if possible. 3 / 4
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What is the key difference between bradycardia with poor perfusion and stable bradycardia in a child?✔✔Poor perfusion requires immediate intervention (oxygen, CPR, or medications), while stable bradycardia only needs monitoring.
How do you recognize respiratory distress versus respiratory failure in a pediatric patient?✔✔Distress involves increased work of breathing (retractions, nasal flaring) but adequate gas exchange, while failure includes altered mental status, cyanosis, or inadequate breathing.
What is the first step in managing a child with suspected opioid overdose and respiratory depression?✔✔Provide rescue breathing and administer naloxone if available.
Why is it critical to warm a hypothermic child slowly during resuscitation?✔✔Rapid rewarming can cause dangerous arrhythmias or hypotension.
What is the most reliable sign of effective CPR in an infant?✔✔A palpable femoral or brachial pulse with each compression.
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