Nokea
You are dispatched to a residence for a child with respiratory distress. The child is wheezing and has nasal flaring and retractions. His oxygen saturation is 92%. You should:
- A. place the child in a supine position.
- B. administer high-flow oxygen.
- C. begin chest compressions.
- D. administer low-flow oxygen.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a scenario where a child presents with respiratory distress, wheezing, nasal flaring, retractions, and an oxygen saturation of 92%, the appropriate intervention is to administer high-flow oxygen. This helps to improve oxygenation and alleviate the respiratory distress the child is experiencing. Placing the child in a supine position can worsen their condition by affecting their ability to breathe effectively. Chest compressions are not indicated in this case as the child is not in cardiac arrest. Administering low-flow oxygen may not provide adequate oxygenation for a child in respiratory distress with a saturation of 92%. Therefore, the priority is to administer high-flow oxygen to improve oxygen levels and support the child's breathing.
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When assisting ventilations in a 4-year-old child with a bag-valve mask, what should the EMT do?
- A. Deliver each breath over 2 to 3 seconds.
- B. Ensure the appropriate mask size is used.
- C. Block the pop-off valve if needed to achieve adequate chest rise.
- D. Reassess the pulse rate after 60 seconds.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When assisting ventilations in a 4-year-old child with a bag-valve mask, the EMT should block the pop-off valve if needed to achieve adequate chest rise. This action helps ensure effective ventilation and adequate oxygenation in the child. Blocking the pop-off valve allows for better control over the volume of air delivered and can help maintain positive pressure in the airway, assisting in improving oxygenation and ventilation in the child. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because delivering each breath over 2 to 3 seconds is a general guideline but may need adjustment based on patient response, ensuring the appropriate mask size is important but not the primary concern in this scenario, and reassessing the pulse rate is not directly related to the ventilation technique being discussed.
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.
When ventilating an apneic 3-year-old child with a bag-valve mask device, what is the MOST important action to take?
- A. Avoid hyperventilation and ensure adequate chest rise.
- B. Squeeze the bag with both hands and use a pediatric mask.
- C. Immediately insert an oropharyngeal airway.
- D. Provide one breath every 3 to 5 seconds.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When ventilating an apneic child, the most important action is to avoid hyperventilation and ensure adequate chest rise. Hyperventilation can lead to decreased cardiac output and increased intracranial pressure. Adequate chest rise confirms effective ventilation and minimizes the risk of complications. Choice B is incorrect because using both hands to squeeze the bag may not ensure proper ventilation and can lead to complications. Choice C is incorrect as inserting an oropharyngeal airway is not the initial action in ventilating an apneic child with a bag-valve mask. Choice D is incorrect as providing ventilations every 3 to 5 seconds may not be appropriate for effective ventilation in a pediatric patient.
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.
Which of the following findings is abnormal?
- A. Rapid, irregular breathing in a newly born infant
- B. Heart rate of 80 beats/min in a 3-month-old infant
- C. Respiratory rate of 26 breaths/min in a 2-year-old child
- D. Systolic BP of 100 mm Hg in a 10-year-old child
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A heart rate of 80 beats per minute in a 3-month-old infant is abnormally low for that age group and could indicate underlying health issues. The normal heart rate for a 3-month-old infant is typically higher, around 100-150 beats per minute. Therefore, this finding stands out as abnormal and warrants further evaluation. Choice A is not necessarily abnormal in a newly born infant as irregular breathing patterns can be common during the neonatal period. Choice C falls within the normal respiratory rate range for a 2-year-old child, which is around 20-30 breaths per minute. Choice D reflects a systolic blood pressure value within the normal range for a 10-year-old child, which is typically around 90-110 mm Hg.