AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Practice Exam

Epinephrine should be administered during a cardiac arrest every 3–5 minutes if there is no return of spontaneous circulation. This frequency is based on current resuscitation guidelines that emphasize the importance of frequent administration of epinephrine to support circulation during cardiac arrest. Administering epinephrine every 3–5 minutes ensures that there is a continual presence of the medication in the circulation, which is critical for increasing systemic vascular resistance and improving coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure during chest compressions.

Epinephrine's effects, such as vasoconstriction and increased myocardial perfusion pressure, can significantly enhance the chances of successful resuscitation. The specific timing of 3-5 minutes strikes a balance between providing effective pharmacologic support while allowing for necessary interventions, like chest compressions and defibrillation, to occur in between doses.

Prompt administration of epinephrine in these intervals is critical, as timely cardiac arrest management can lead to better outcomes in pediatric patients.