When inserting an oropharyngeal airway in a small child, what is the preferred method?
- A. Insert the airway with the curvature towards the roof of the mouth and then rotate it 180 degrees.
- B. Insert the airway as you would in an adult, but use an airway that is one size smaller than usual.
- C. Depress the tongue with a tongue blade and insert the airway with the downward curve facing the tongue.
- D. Open the airway with the tongue-jaw lift maneuver and insert the airway until slight resistance is met.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When inserting an oropharyngeal airway in a small child, it is crucial to depress the tongue with a tongue blade and insert the airway with the downward curve facing the tongue. This technique helps in maintaining an open airway and preventing obstruction by the tongue. Placing the airway with the curve facing the roof of the mouth or using a smaller size is not recommended for small children, as it may not effectively keep the airway patent. The tongue-jaw lift maneuver is not the preferred method for inserting an oropharyngeal airway in small children.
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You have just delivered a baby girl. Your assessment of the newborn reveals that she has a patent airway, is breathing adequately, and has a heart rate of 130 beats/min. Her face and trunk are pink, but her hands and feet are cyanotic. You have clamped and cut the umbilical cord, but the placenta has not yet delivered. You should:
- A. reassess the newborn every 5 minutes and transport after the placenta delivers.
- B. keep the newborn warm, give oxygen to the mother if needed, and transport.
- C. massage the lower part of the mother's uterus until the placenta delivers.
- D. give the newborn high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask and transport.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the appropriate action is to keep the newborn warm, ensure the mother receives oxygen if needed, and prepare for transport. The newborn is showing signs of central cyanosis (hands and feet being cyanotic), which can be due to various reasons, including inadequate oxygenation. Therefore, ensuring warmth and possible oxygen to the mother are important. Additionally, monitoring both the mother and baby during transport is crucial for their well-being.
Which of the following is the MOST detrimental effect of gastric distention in infants and children?
- A. Tracheal rupture.
- B. Less effective chest compressions.
- C. Decreased ventilatory volume.
- D. Acute rupture of the diaphragm.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gastric distention in infants and children can lead to a decrease in ventilatory volume. This occurs because the distended stomach can limit the movement of the diaphragm, reducing its ability to contract and expand the chest cavity effectively. As a result, the amount of air entering and leaving the lungs is decreased, impacting ventilation. Tracheal rupture, acute rupture of the diaphragm, and less effective chest compressions are not typically associated with gastric distention.
Which of the following signs is MOST indicative of inadequate breathing in an infant?
- A. Sunken fontanelles
- B. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
- C. Expiratory grunting
- D. Abdominal breathing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Expiratory grunting is a significant sign of inadequate breathing and respiratory distress in infants. It indicates that the infant is struggling to exhale properly, which can be a sign of various respiratory issues, including lung problems or airway obstruction. Monitoring and recognizing this sign promptly can help in providing timely interventions to support the infant's breathing and prevent further complications.
You are dispatched to a residence for a 4-year-old female who is sick. Your assessment reveals that she has increased work of breathing and is making a high-pitched sound during inhalation. Her mother tells you that she has been running a high fever for the past 24 hours. Your MOST immediate concern should be:
- A. determining if the child has a history of croup.
- B. preparing to treat her for a febrile seizure.
- C. assessing the need for ventilation assistance.
- D. taking her temperature to see how high it is.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a child with increased work of breathing, a high-pitched sound during inhalation, and a high fever, upper airway obstruction should be suspected. The child's condition may require immediate ventilation assistance to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Therefore, the most immediate concern in this scenario is to assess the need for ventilation assistance.
A 3-year-old child has a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The mother denies any recent illnesses or fever. You should suspect:
- A. croup.
- B. foreign body airway obstruction.
- C. lower respiratory infection.
- D. epiglottitis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a 3-year-old child with a sudden onset of respiratory distress and no recent illnesses or fever, the likely cause is a foreign body airway obstruction. Foreign body obstruction can lead to sudden respiratory distress without other preceding symptoms. It is crucial to consider this possibility and act promptly to clear the airway in such cases to prevent serious complications.