Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Practice Test

Transcutaneous pacing is the correct emergency procedure for restoring cardiac output in cases of severe bradycardia. This method involves delivering electrical pulses through the skin to stimulate the heart and increase its rate when it is beating too slowly. In acute settings, when a patient presents with severe bradycardia that is symptomatic—meaning it is causing decreased cardiac output and potentially leading to compromise in vital organ function—immediate intervention is necessary to stabilize the heart rhythm.

Transcutaneous pacing is particularly effective because it can be rapidly initiated and does not require invasive procedures, making it ideal in emergency situations. It also provides a temporary solution while further evaluations and definitive treatments are planned.

In contrast, while defibrillation is used for arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, it is not indicated for bradycardia. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and airway management are vitally important in cases of cardiac arrest, but they do not specifically target severe bradycardia unless the heart has stopped beating. Medication administration can be part of the overall management, as some medications, such as atropine, can be used to increase heart rate, but they may not be as immediate or effective as trans