Which of the following is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Capillary refill
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Capillary refill is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults. This is because children have more compliant vessels, making capillary refill a more sensitive indicator of perfusion status in this population. In contrast, while blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are important indicators, they may not be as reliable in children as capillary refill. Blood pressure can be affected by various factors such as anxiety or pain, heart rate can be influenced by emotions or temperature, and respiratory rate may vary with activity levels. Therefore, capillary refill is preferred in children for a more accurate assessment of perfusion.
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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.
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, it is important to offer oxygen and provide transport to a medical facility for further evaluation and management of the underlying cause. Oxygen may be needed in case of hypoxemia resulting from the seizure. 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 advisable as the priority is to prevent hyperthermia and provide necessary medical intervention by healthcare providers.
Which of the following signs would you expect to see in a child with respiratory failure?
- A. Slow, irregular breathing
- B. Flushed skin
- C. Strong cry
- D. Unconsciousness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a child with respiratory failure, slow, irregular breathing is a common sign. Respiratory failure impairs the ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently, leading to altered breathing patterns. Flushed skin, a strong cry, or unconsciousness may not be specific signs of respiratory failure and could be indicative of other conditions. Flushed skin may be a sign of fever or increased blood flow, a strong cry may indicate pain or distress, and unconsciousness can have various causes beyond respiratory failure.
What is the MOST appropriate method for assessing a small child's level of responsiveness?
- A. Palpate for a radial pulse.
- B. Shout at the child to see if they respond.
- C. Ask the parent about the child's level of responsiveness.
- D. Tap the child and shout, 'Are you okay?'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When assessing a small child's level of responsiveness, the most appropriate method is to tap the child and shout, 'Are you okay?' This approach is more likely to elicit a response from the child, providing a direct assessment of their level of consciousness and responsiveness. Palpating for a radial pulse (Choice A) is not the most direct method for assessing responsiveness in a child. Shouting at the child (Choice B) may startle them and not provide an accurate assessment. Asking the parent (Choice C) does not directly evaluate the child's responsiveness.
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.