AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Practice Exam

In pediatric advanced life support, it is critical to act quickly when a child becomes unresponsive and is not breathing. The guideline emphasizes that CPR should be initiated as soon as possible after determining that the child is unresponsive and not breathing. The correct answer states that it should be done within 10 seconds.

Starting CPR within this time frame is essential because it significantly improves the chances of survival and reduces the risk of serious neurological outcomes. Delaying CPR even for a few seconds can lead to deterioration in the child's condition, as the brain and other vital organs can suffer from a lack of oxygen.

Responding within 10 seconds ensures that the rescuer is acting swiftly to provide the necessary circulation and oxygenation to the body's vital systems. It fosters a timely intervention approach that is critical during cardiac emergencies in children. The time limit reflects the urgency of the situation when a child is found unresponsive and breathing has ceased.