Nokea
You are dispatched to a residence for a 4-year-old female who is sick. Your assessment reveals that she has increased work of breathing and is making a high-pitched sound during inhalation. Her mother tells you that she has been running a high fever for the past 24 hours. Your MOST immediate concern should be:
- A. determining if the child has a history of croup.
- B. preparing to treat her for a febrile seizure.
- C. assessing the need for ventilation assistance.
- D. taking her temperature to see how high it is.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a child with increased work of breathing, a high-pitched sound during inhalation, and a high fever, upper airway obstruction should be suspected. The child's condition may require immediate ventilation assistance to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Therefore, the most immediate concern in this scenario is to assess the need for ventilation assistance.
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A 3-year-old female presents with respiratory distress. She is conscious, crying, and clinging to her mother. She has mild intercostal retractions and an oxygen saturation of 93%. The MOST effective way of delivering oxygen to her involves:
- A. gently restraining her and assisting with ventilations.
- B. ventilations with a flow-restricted, oxygen-powered device.
- C. a non-rebreathing mask with the flow rate set at 6 to 8 L/min.
- D. asking the mother to hold an oxygen mask near her face.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a pediatric patient with respiratory distress, a non-rebreathing mask with a flow rate set at 6 to 8 L/min is the most effective way to deliver oxygen. This method ensures a high concentration of oxygen is delivered to the child, aiding in improving oxygen saturation levels. In this scenario, the mother can assist in holding the mask to maintain comfort and cooperation in the child while ensuring proper oxygen delivery.
You are dispatched to a residence where an 8-year-old boy was pulled from a swimming pool. When you arrive, a neighbor is performing rescue breathing on the child. After confirming that the child is not breathing, you should:
- A. begin chest compressions and reassess in 2 minutes.
- B. assess for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds.
- C. tell the neighbor to continue rescue breathing as you apply the AED.
- D. ask the neighbor how long the child was submerged under the water.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In cases of drowning, it is crucial to assess for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds to determine if chest compressions are needed. This quick assessment helps determine the next steps in providing appropriate care to the patient. Performing chest compressions without confirming the need may not be beneficial and could potentially harm the patient if unnecessary.
When preventing cardiac arrest in infants and small children, the primary focus should be on:
- A. Providing immediate transport.
- B. Ensuring adequate ventilation.
- C. Keeping the child warm.
- D. Avoiding upsetting the child.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct approach to prevent cardiac arrest in infants and small children is to ensure adequate ventilation. In these cases, maintaining proper oxygenation and ventilation is crucial for sustaining life. Providing immediate transport, keeping the child warm, or avoiding upsetting the child are important considerations but ensuring adequate ventilation takes precedence in preventing cardiac arrest and supporting the child's vital functions.
You arrive at a residence shortly after a 4-year-old boy experienced an apparent febrile seizure. The child is alert and crying. His skin is flushed, hot, and moist. His mother tells you that the seizure lasted about 2 minutes. You should:
- A. provide supportive care and transport.
- B. give him acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- C. begin rapid cooling measures at once.
- D. allow the mother to take her child to the doctor.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After a febrile seizure, the recommended course of action is to provide supportive care and transport the child to a medical facility. Supportive care may include ensuring a safe environment, monitoring the child, and seeking medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the seizure and appropriate management.
In which of the following situations would the EMT MOST likely deliver a baby at the scene?
- A. A tornado has struck and blocked the only route to the hospital.
- B. Contractions are 8 to 10 minutes apart and irregular.
- C. The amniotic sac has ruptured, and contractions occur regularly.
- D. The hospital is 15 miles away, and crowning is not present.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The EMT may be required to deliver a baby at the scene when external factors like a tornado have blocked the only route to the hospital, making it impossible to reach the medical facility in time for delivery. In such emergencies, the EMT must be prepared to manage the childbirth process until further medical assistance can be obtained.