PFCCS 2026 Complete Study Guide –
Pediatric Fundamental Critical Care Support
Exam Prep
Primary Survey (ABCDE) - correct answers -Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Disability
Exposure
Cardiac tamponade symptom - correct answers -muffled heart sounds
In an acutely poisoned patient, gastric lavage carries the lowest risk of what complication? - correct
answers -hypernatremia
Complications of gastric lavage - correct answers -Aspiration
Esophageal or gastric perforation
desat during procedure
hyponatremia
water intoxication
Which is the most important indicator for avoiding alveolar overdistention and barotrauma - correct
answers -Peak inspiratory pressure
With carbon monoxide poisoning, pulse ox reading should be interpreted how? - correct answers -
Higher than the true value
Infants presenting with cardiomegaly and cardiac shock symptoms should be started on what? - correct
answers -Prostaglandin E1
1
, Greatest risk for iatrogenic injury or death during transport? - correct answers -Communication errors?
DIRECT stands for - correct answers -Detection
Intervention
Reassessment
Effective communication
Teamwork
Moderate sedation drug for hypotensive patient - correct answers -ketamine
Drugs to be avoided with hypotensive patients - correct answers -Versed
Ativan
pentobarbital
propofol
Patient in shock with 60 ml/kg on board, epi and dopamine. Next step for drug choice? - correct
answers -Nitroprusside b/c shorter half-life than milrinone and therefore more appropriate for short-
term use
Greatest risk of acquiring a nosocomial infection - correct answers -TPN through a central line
Obstruction of CSF symptoms - correct answers -Bradycardia
HTN
NV
Seizures
Mass casualty scenario, green indicates what? - correct answers -Minimal care
2
Pediatric Fundamental Critical Care Support
Exam Prep
Primary Survey (ABCDE) - correct answers -Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Disability
Exposure
Cardiac tamponade symptom - correct answers -muffled heart sounds
In an acutely poisoned patient, gastric lavage carries the lowest risk of what complication? - correct
answers -hypernatremia
Complications of gastric lavage - correct answers -Aspiration
Esophageal or gastric perforation
desat during procedure
hyponatremia
water intoxication
Which is the most important indicator for avoiding alveolar overdistention and barotrauma - correct
answers -Peak inspiratory pressure
With carbon monoxide poisoning, pulse ox reading should be interpreted how? - correct answers -
Higher than the true value
Infants presenting with cardiomegaly and cardiac shock symptoms should be started on what? - correct
answers -Prostaglandin E1
1
, Greatest risk for iatrogenic injury or death during transport? - correct answers -Communication errors?
DIRECT stands for - correct answers -Detection
Intervention
Reassessment
Effective communication
Teamwork
Moderate sedation drug for hypotensive patient - correct answers -ketamine
Drugs to be avoided with hypotensive patients - correct answers -Versed
Ativan
pentobarbital
propofol
Patient in shock with 60 ml/kg on board, epi and dopamine. Next step for drug choice? - correct
answers -Nitroprusside b/c shorter half-life than milrinone and therefore more appropriate for short-
term use
Greatest risk of acquiring a nosocomial infection - correct answers -TPN through a central line
Obstruction of CSF symptoms - correct answers -Bradycardia
HTN
NV
Seizures
Mass casualty scenario, green indicates what? - correct answers -Minimal care
2
