After attaching the AED to a 7-year-old child in cardiac arrest, you push the analyze button and receive a shock advised message. After delivering the shock, you should:
- A. assess for a carotid pulse.
- B. open the airway and ventilate.
- C. immediately perform CPR.
- D. reanalyze the cardiac rhythm.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After delivering a shock, it is crucial to immediately resume CPR. CPR helps circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs until the AED prompts you to stop for further rhythm analysis. This continuous cycle of CPR and defibrillation maximizes the chances of restoring a normal cardiac rhythm and improving the child's chances of survival. Assessing for a carotid pulse is not necessary after a shock as pulse checks are often unreliable during resuscitation. Opening the airway and ventilating is not the immediate step after delivering a shock as CPR takes precedence. Reanalyzing the cardiac rhythm should be done only when prompted by the AED after a set period of CPR.
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Which of the following is an abnormal finding when assessing the abdomen of a newborn?
- A. The umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein.
- B. The presence of green vomit.
- C. The liver is palpable 1 to 2 cm below the costal margin.
- D. The abdomen is soft and nondistended.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The presence of green vomit in a newborn is an abnormal finding and indicates a possible intestinal obstruction. This finding requires immediate attention and further investigation. Choices A, C, and D are normal findings in a newborn's abdomen assessment. A newborn typically has an umbilical cord with two arteries and one vein, a liver that may be palpable 1 to 2 cm below the costal margin due to its normal size in a neonate, and a soft, nondistended abdomen as expected in healthy newborns.
What is the proper depth of chest compressions for a 9-month-old infant?
- A. 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 1 1/2 inches.
- B. 1/4 the diameter of the chest or about 1 inch.
- C. 1/2 the diameter of the chest or about 2 inches.
- D. 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 3/4 inch.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When performing chest compressions on a 9-month-old infant, the proper depth is 1/3 the diameter of the chest, which equates to approximately 1 1/2 inches. This depth is crucial for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in infants. Choice B, which suggests 1/4 the diameter of the chest or about 1 inch, is incorrect as it does not provide the recommended depth for infants. Choice C, stating 1/2 the diameter of the chest or about 2 inches, is too deep and may cause harm to the infant. Choice D, mentioning 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 3/4 inch, is also incorrect as it underestimates the required depth for effective chest compressions on a 9-month-old infant.
During the pediatric assessment process, which scenario would be the LEAST appropriate for the transition phase?
- A. A parent is available to help keep the child calm.
- B. The child is unstable and needs rapid transport.
- C. You determine that the child's condition is stable.
- D. Your transport time is greater than 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a pediatric assessment, the transition phase is a critical period where care is handed over from prehospital providers to the hospital team. If the child is unstable and requires rapid transport, it is not appropriate to delay for a transition phase. In such cases, immediate transport to a higher level of care is paramount to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Choice A is appropriate as having a parent present can help keep the child calm during the transition. Choice C is also appropriate as transitioning a stable child allows for a smoother handover. Choice D, while indicating a longer transport time, does not necessarily affect the need for a transition phase as long as the child's condition remains stable.
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.
Following an apparent febrile seizure, a 4-year-old boy is alert and crying. His skin is hot and moist. Appropriate treatment for this child includes:
- A. allowing the parents to transport the child.
- B. offering oxygen and providing transport.
- C. rapidly cooling the child in cold water.
- D. keeping the child warm and providing transport.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a febrile seizure, the priority is to offer oxygen and provide transport to a medical facility. Oxygen may be necessary to ensure proper oxygenation, and medical evaluation is crucial to determine the cause of the seizure and prevent recurrence. Rapidly cooling the child in cold water is not recommended as it may lead to complications such as hypothermia. Keeping the child warm is also not indicated as the skin is already hot and moist. Therefore, offering oxygen and timely transportation to a healthcare facility is the most appropriate course of action. Allowing the parents to transport the child might delay necessary medical care, and keeping the child warm can exacerbate the existing heat. Rapidly cooling the child in cold water can lead to adverse effects, making it an inappropriate choice.