When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, which of the following questions would be MOST appropriate to ask?
- A. When did you first notice the symptoms?
- B. Do you have a history of high blood pressure?
- C. What medications do you take and why?
- D. Have you previously had a heart attack?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate question to ask when assessing a geriatric patient who may have experienced an acute ischemic stroke is when the symptoms were first noticed. This information is crucial for determining the time window for potential treatments like thrombolytic therapy, as prompt intervention is necessary for stroke management. Option B is not as relevant in the acute assessment of stroke, though important for overall health history. Option C is important but may not be as time-sensitive as determining symptom onset. Option D focuses on a different cardiac event, not directly related to the current concern of a possible stroke.
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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.
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.
Which of the following statements regarding sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is correct?
- A. Death as a result of SIDS can occur at any time of the day or night.
- B. Certain cases of SIDS are predictable and therefore preventable.
- C. Most cases of SIDS occur in infants younger than 6 months.
- D. SIDS is uncommon in infants older than 1 year of age.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. SIDS can occur at any time of the day or night, although it most commonly occurs during sleep. SIDS is sudden and unpredictable, making it challenging to prevent in all cases. While most cases occur in infants younger than 6 months, it is not limited to this age group. SIDS is not uncommon in infants older than 1 year of age, although less common than in younger infants.
Which of the following statements regarding SIDS is correct?
- A. SIDS can occur in premature infants.
- B. It is most commonly a result of child abuse.
- C. Death usually occurs during sleep.
- D. SIDS can be prevented by placing the baby on its back to sleep.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct statement regarding SIDS is that death usually occurs during sleep. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of a seemingly healthy infant, typically occurring during sleep. The exact cause of SIDS is not fully understood. While placing the baby on its back to sleep is a recommended preventive measure to reduce the risk of SIDS, it cannot guarantee prevention. Choice A is incorrect as SIDS is not limited to premature infants. Choice B is incorrect as SIDS is not primarily caused by child abuse.
What action should you take if a newborn's heart rate is 50 beats/min?
- A. Begin chest compressions.
- B. Reassess in 30 seconds.
- C. Administer blow-by oxygen.
- D. Start positive-pressure ventilations.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If a newborn's heart rate is below 60 beats per minute, the appropriate action is to start positive-pressure ventilations. Ventilations help deliver oxygen to the newborn's body and support respiratory function, which is critical in cases of bradycardia. Chest compressions are not recommended until the heart rate is below 60 despite adequate ventilation. Reassessment is essential but not the immediate action required in this scenario. Administering blow-by oxygen alone may not effectively address the underlying cause of bradycardia, making positive-pressure ventilations the priority intervention in this case.