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 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.
What are the MOST important initial steps in assessing and managing a newborn?
- A. Drying and warming the infant, obtaining an APGAR score.
- B. Clearing the airway, keeping the infant warm.
- C. Suctioning the airway, obtaining a heart rate.
- D. Keeping the infant warm, counting respirations.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most crucial initial steps in assessing and managing a newborn involve clearing the airway to ensure proper breathing and keeping the infant warm to maintain body temperature. Airway clearance helps prevent respiratory distress, while warmth is essential to prevent hypothermia, a common issue in newborns. These steps are vital in the immediate care of a newborn to support their transition to extrauterine life and ensure their well-being. Choice A is incorrect because obtaining an APGAR score is important but not as critical as clearing the airway. Choice C is incorrect as suctioning the airway is not always necessary and obtaining a heart rate is secondary to ensuring a clear airway and warmth. Choice D is incorrect because counting respirations is not as immediate and crucial as clearing the airway.
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.
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.
You are assessing a 26-year-old woman who is 38 weeks pregnant and is in labor. She tells you that she was pregnant once before but had a miscarriage at 19 weeks. You should document her obstetric history as:
- A. gravida 2, para 1.
- B. gravida 2, para 0.
- C. gravida 1, para 1.
- D. gravida 0, para 2.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In obstetrics, gravida indicates the number of pregnancies, including the current one. Para indicates the number of pregnancies carried to viability (20 weeks or more). Since the patient has been pregnant twice but only carried one pregnancy past 20 weeks, her obstetric history should be documented as gravida 2, para 0. The miscarriage at 19 weeks does not contribute to the para count. Choice A (gravida 2, para 1) would indicate that she has had two pregnancies with one resulting in a live birth, which is incorrect. Choice C (gravida 1, para 1) would indicate that she has had one pregnancy with one live birth, which does not reflect her obstetric history. Choice D (gravida 0, para 2) would indicate that she has never been pregnant past 20 weeks, which is also inaccurate.