PALS 2025 study guide questions and answers

Which pulses should be assessed to monitor systemic perfusion in a child? - peripheral and central What should the first rescuer arriving on the scene of an unresponsive infant or child do? (in order) - 1. verify scene safety 2. check for responsiveness 3. shout for help 4. activate the emergency response system Why may excessive ventilation during CPR be harmful? - - it increases intrathoracic pressure - it impedes venous return If you cannot achieve effective ventilation (ie, the chest does not rise), do the following: - - reposition/reopen the airway (sniffing position) - verify mask size and ensure a tight face-mask seal - suction the airway if needed - check the O2 source - check the ventilation bag and mask - treat gastric inflation (NG/OG) - consider 2-person bag-mask ventilation and inserting an OPA Ventilation rate - 1 breath every 2-3 seconds delivered over 1 second (20-30 breaths per minute) Early signs of tissue hypoxia - - tachypnea - increased respiratory effort (nasal flaring, retractions) - tachycardia - pallor, mottling, cyanosis - agitation, anxiety, irritability Late signs of tissue hypoxia - - bradypnea, inadequate respiratory effort, apnea - increased respiratory effort (head bobbing, seesaw respirations, grunting) - bradycardia - pallor, mottling, cyanosis - decreased level of consciousness What is the role of the diaphragm during normal breathing in infants? - pulls the ribs slightly inward S/S mild respiratory distress - - mild tachypnea - mild increase in respiratory effort (nasal flaring, retractions) - abnormal airway sounds (stridor, wheezing, grunting)