You are dispatched to a residence for a child with respiratory distress. The child is wheezing and has nasal flaring and retractions. His oxygen saturation is 92%. You should:
- A. place the child in a supine position.
- B. administer high-flow oxygen.
- C. begin chest compressions.
- D. administer low-flow oxygen.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a scenario where a child presents with respiratory distress, wheezing, nasal flaring, retractions, and an oxygen saturation of 92%, the appropriate intervention is to administer high-flow oxygen. This helps to improve oxygenation and alleviate the respiratory distress the child is experiencing. Placing the child in a supine position can worsen their condition by affecting their ability to breathe effectively. Chest compressions are not indicated in this case as the child is not in cardiac arrest. Administering low-flow oxygen may not provide adequate oxygenation for a child in respiratory distress with a saturation of 92%. Therefore, the priority is to administer high-flow oxygen to improve oxygen levels and support the child's breathing.
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When responding to a call for a 2-year-old child who fell from a second-story window, with the mechanism of injury and the age of the patient in mind, you should suspect that the primary injury occurred to the child's:
- A. chest.
- B. head.
- C. lower extremities.
- D. abdomen.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a scenario where a young child falls from a significant height like a second-story window, the primary injury is more likely to be to the head. This is because young children have proportionately larger head sizes compared to their body, making them more susceptible to head injuries in such falls. The chest (Choice A), lower extremities (Choice C), and abdomen (Choice D) are less likely to sustain the primary injury in this scenario, as the impact of the fall and the child's anatomy predispose the head to be the most affected area.
When assessing a 30-year-old female in labor, what should the EMT do?
- A. Ask the mother when she is expecting to deliver.
- B. Avoid questioning the patient about her medical history.
- C. Determine the stage of her labor by examining her.
- D. Recall that delivery is imminent if she is crowning.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During the assessment of a 30-year-old female in labor, the EMT should be aware that delivery is imminent if she is crowning. Crowning indicates that the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening, signaling that the birth is progressing rapidly and the baby will soon be delivered. This is a critical moment that requires preparedness for the birth process and ensuring a safe delivery environment. Choice A is incorrect because asking the mother when she is expecting to deliver is not relevant when the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening. Choice B is incorrect as obtaining the patient's medical history is essential for providing appropriate care. Choice C is incorrect because determining the stage of labor by examining the patient is important but recognizing crowning indicates that delivery is imminent and requires immediate action.
Your assessment of a 5-year-old child reveals that he is unresponsive with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min. Treatment for this child should include:
- A. high-flow oxygen via non-rebreathing mask and rapid transport.
- B. assisted ventilation with a bag-mask device and rapid transport.
- C. positive-pressure ventilation, chest compressions, and rapid transport.
- D. back slaps and chest thrusts while attempting artificial ventilations.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a 5-year-old child who is unresponsive with severe bradycardia and bradypnea, the priority is to provide positive-pressure ventilation to support breathing and perform chest compressions to support circulation. This child is in cardiac arrest, and the recommended treatment according to pediatric basic life support guidelines involves a combination of positive-pressure ventilation and chest compressions to maintain oxygenation and circulation. Rapid transport to a medical facility for further advanced care is crucial in this critical situation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because high-flow oxygen via non-rebreathing mask, assisted ventilation with a bag-mask device, and back slaps with chest thrusts are not sufficient in a cardiac arrest situation where the child requires immediate positive-pressure ventilation and chest compressions to maintain oxygenation and circulation.
Seizures in children MOST often result from:
- A. a life-threatening infection.
- B. an inflammatory process in the brain.
- C. an abrupt rise in body temperature.
- D. a temperature greater than 102°F.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Seizures in children most often result from febrile seizures, which are triggered by an abrupt rise in body temperature. Febrile seizures are common in young children, especially between the ages of 6 months to 5 years, and are usually associated with viral infections that cause a sudden spike in body temperature. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while infections, inflammatory processes, and high temperatures can sometimes lead to seizures, the most common cause of seizures in children is an abrupt increase in body temperature, known as febrile seizures.
Which of the following injuries is MOST indicative of child abuse?
- A. Multiple bruises to the shins
- B. Burned hand with splash marks
- C. Small laceration to the chin
- D. Bruising to the upper back
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bruising to the upper back is more suspicious for child abuse compared to the other listed injuries. In young children, injuries like bruises to the upper back are less likely to be accidental and may raise concerns about physical abuse. The upper back is an area less prone to accidental injuries during play or falls. Multiple bruises to the shins are common in active children. A burned hand with splash marks may suggest accidental burns. A small laceration to the chin is also a common injury from falls in children. Therefore, the bruising on the upper back is more concerning for possible child abuse.