ACLS Test Prep (PALS, BLS, ACLS) Exam 2024

A 5-year-old child in supraventricular tachycardia has adequate pulses with the rhythm. Supplemental oxygen is in place and vital signs are stable except for the elevated heart rate. The most appropriate next intervention for this child is: - Answer Vagal Maneuvers *Rationale:* Vagal maneuvers are a reasonable first intervention for supraventricular tachycardia in a hemodynamically stable patient, as this child is. A child has an advanced airway in place during cardiac arrest. How frequently should ventilations be given? - Answer Every 6-8 Seconds 8-10 BPM *Rationale:* The latest AHA guidelines recommend one ventilation every six seconds, or 10 per minute, when an advanced airway is in place. You are using a bag-valve mask to resuscitate an infant, while another rescuer is performing chest compressions. What is the correct ratio of chest compressions to ventilations? - Answer 15 chest compressions to 2 ventilations *Rationale:* The AHA suggests that during a pediatric resuscitation with two or more rescuers present, the correct ratio of chest compressions to ventilations is 15:2. You are alone performing infant CPR. What is the correct ratio of chest compressions to ventilations? - Answer 30 chest compressions to 2 ventilations *Rationale:* The AHA suggests that during a pediatric resuscitation with only one rescuer present, the correct ratio of chest compressions to ventilations is 30:2. A 7 month old appears to be unconscious and not breathing. You check for a pulse at the ________ artery. - Answer Brachial *Rationale:* Rescuers should use the brachial artery in the upper arm to check for a pulse. The artery is easily palpable in infants and young children. A clear sign of upper airway obstruction is: - Answer A "whistling" sound during breathing *Rationale:* A "whistling" sound during breathing usually indicates *stridor.* Crying suggests full lung function, as does breath sounds in all lung fields. Decreased inspiratory effort is a non-specific sign, but may reflect a central process (i.e. consequence of head trauma). In children, which of the following is the most common form of arrest? - Answer Respiratory arrest *Rationale:* Respiratory distress, failure, and arrest are the most common conditions prompting PALS care. In fact, most cases of pediatric cardiac arrest are preceded by respiratory issues. In small children, a rescue breath should be given: - Answer Over one second *Rationale:* Rescue breaths and ventilations should be delivered over one second, regardless of the patient's age. What is the normal range of heart rates for an 8-year-old child? - Answer *Answer:* 60140 per minute *(The ACLS test I took says this. This is most likely a older ACLS test. According to 2015 Handbook of Emergency Cardiovascular Care it says for a schoolage child the rate is 75-118.)* *Rationale:* Normal vital sign values change as children age. It is important to know what "normal" is for the age of your patient.