Nokea
A 3-year-old female has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 4 days. She is now unresponsive with rapid, shallow respirations and thready radial pulses. Her heart rate is 160 beats/min, and her oxygen saturation is 88%. You should:
- A. Ventilate her with a bag-valve mask.
- B. Start chest compressions.
- C. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask.
- D. Place her in the recovery position.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with unresponsiveness, rapid, shallow respirations, thready pulses, high heart rate, and low oxygen saturation, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Ventilating the child with a bag-valve mask is crucial in this scenario to support her breathing and improve oxygenation, as indicated by her low oxygen saturation and respiratory distress. Starting chest compressions is not indicated as the child has a pulse. Administering high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask may not be as effective as providing positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask in this situation. Placing her in the recovery position is not appropriate when the child is unresponsive and in respiratory distress.
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Your assessment of a newborn reveals cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min. What should you do first?
- A. Dry the infant briskly.
- B. Suction the mouth.
- C. Begin artificial ventilations.
- D. Begin chest compressions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a newborn with cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min, the priority action is to begin artificial ventilations. A heart rate below 100 beats/min with cyanosis indicates a need for immediate respiratory support to improve oxygenation. Drying the infant briskly or suctioning the mouth may be necessary later but are not the initial priority. Chest compressions are not indicated as the heart rate is above 60 beats/min.
When ventilating an apneic 3-year-old child with a bag-valve mask device, what is the MOST important action to take?
- A. Avoid hyperventilation and ensure adequate chest rise.
- B. Squeeze the bag with both hands and use a pediatric mask.
- C. Immediately insert an oropharyngeal airway.
- D. Provide one breath every 3 to 5 seconds.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When ventilating an apneic child, the most important action is to avoid hyperventilation and ensure adequate chest rise. Hyperventilation can lead to decreased cardiac output and increased intracranial pressure. Adequate chest rise confirms effective ventilation and minimizes the risk of complications. Choice B is incorrect because using both hands to squeeze the bag may not ensure proper ventilation and can lead to complications. Choice C is incorrect as inserting an oropharyngeal airway is not the initial action in ventilating an apneic child with a bag-valve mask. Choice D is incorrect as providing ventilations every 3 to 5 seconds may not be appropriate for effective ventilation in a pediatric patient.
What is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients?
- A. Hypertension.
- B. Arthritis.
- C. Heart disease.
- D. Altered mental status.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients. It encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure, which are more prevalent in older individuals. These conditions can lead to serious complications and ultimately result in higher mortality rates among the elderly population. Hypertension (choice A) is a risk factor for heart disease but not the leading cause of death in geriatric patients. Arthritis (choice B) is a chronic condition affecting the joints, not a primary cause of death in this population. Altered mental status (choice D) is a symptom rather than a leading cause of death in geriatric patients.
What should you do immediately upon delivery of a newborn's head?
- A. Suction the nose.
- B. Dry the face.
- C. Cover the eyes.
- D. Suction the mouth.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Upon delivery of a newborn's head, the priority is to clear the airway to ensure proper breathing. Suctioning the mouth takes precedence over suctioning the nose or other actions to prevent potential airway obstruction. Choice D is the correct answer as it addresses the immediate need to maintain a clear airway for the newborn. Choices A, B, and C are not the correct actions to take at this moment as they do not directly address the crucial need to establish a clear airway for the newborn.
A 30-year-old woman has severe lower abdominal pain and light vaginal bleeding. She tells you that her last menstrual period was 2 months ago. On the basis of these findings, you should suspect:
- A. a normal pregnancy.
- B. a ruptured ovarian cyst.
- C. an ectopic pregnancy.
- D. a spontaneous abortion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe lower abdominal pain, light vaginal bleeding, and a history of missed periods are concerning for an ectopic pregnancy. The absence of a normal menstrual period along with these symptoms raises suspicion for an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of rupture and life-threatening complications. A normal pregnancy would typically present with different symptoms such as a positive pregnancy test and typical signs of early pregnancy. A ruptured ovarian cyst may present with similar symptoms but typically lacks the history of missed periods. A spontaneous abortion usually involves heavier bleeding and tissue passage, which is not described in this scenario.