Nokea
Which of the following is a sign of altered mental status in a small child?
- A. Fear of the EMT's presence.
- B. Recognition of the parents.
- C. Inattention to the EMT's presence.
- D. Consistent eye contact with the EMT.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Inattention to the EMT's presence is a sign of altered mental status in a small child. When a child is not responsive or does not acknowledge the presence of the EMT, it could indicate a change in their mental status. This lack of attention or awareness may signify a neurological issue or other medical condition affecting the child's cognitive function.
You may also like to solve these questions
You are treating a 5-year-old child who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. Supplemental oxygen has been given, and you have elevated his lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that his work of breathing has increased. You should:
- A. begin positive-pressure ventilations and reassess the child.
- B. lower the extremities and reassess the child.
- C. listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds.
- D. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When the work of breathing increases after elevating the legs, it is important to lower the extremities. Elevating the lower extremities in a child with signs of shock can worsen the condition by reducing venous return to the heart. Lowering the extremities can help improve venous return and potentially alleviate the increased work of breathing.
A 30-year-old woman is 22 weeks pregnant with her first child. She tells you that her rings are not fitting as loosely as they usually do and that her ankles are swollen. Her blood pressure is 150/86 mm Hg. She is MOST likely experiencing:
- A. a condition unrelated to pregnancy.
- B. gestational diabetes.
- C. a hypertensive emergency.
- D. preeclampsia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The symptoms of swollen ankles, tight rings, and elevated blood pressure in a pregnant woman at 22 weeks gestation are concerning for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, commonly seen with symptoms such as swelling (edema) and protein in the urine. It is crucial to monitor and manage preeclampsia promptly as it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby.
Why is a prolapsed umbilical cord dangerous?
- A. The cord may be wrapped around the baby's neck, causing strangulation.
- B. The cord might pull the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery.
- C. The baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen.
- D. The mother may die of hypoxia due to compromised placental blood flow.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord is dangerous because the baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen. This compression can lead to oxygen deprivation, potentially causing significant harm to the baby. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases to prevent adverse outcomes.
Upon assessing a newborn immediately after delivery, you note that the infant is breathing spontaneously and has a heart rate of 80 beats/min. What is the MOST appropriate initial management for this newborn?
- A. Assess the newborn's skin condition and color.
- B. Initiate positive-pressure ventilations.
- C. Start chest compressions and contact medical control.
- D. Provide blow-by oxygen with oxygen tubing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a newborn with a heart rate below 100 beats/min, the most appropriate initial management is to initiate positive-pressure ventilations. This helps support the newborn's respiratory effort and oxygenation in the setting of a low heart rate, ensuring adequate oxygen supply to vital organs. Assessing the skin condition and color, starting chest compressions, or providing blow-by oxygen are not the priority in this scenario where respiratory support is crucial.
A 9-year-old girl was struck by a car while crossing the street. Your assessment reveals a large contusion over the left upper quadrant of her abdomen and signs of shock. Which of the following organs is MOST likely injured?
- A. Liver
- B. Kidney
- C. Pancreas
- D. Spleen
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The presence of a large contusion over the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, along with signs of shock, points towards a likely injury to the spleen, especially following trauma. The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and is susceptible to injury due to its position and vulnerability to blunt trauma.