Your assessment of a newborn reveals cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min. What should you do first?
- A. Dry the infant briskly.
- B. Suction the mouth.
- C. Begin artificial ventilations.
- D. Begin chest compressions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a newborn with cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min, the priority action is to begin artificial ventilations. A heart rate below 100 beats/min with cyanosis indicates a need for immediate respiratory support to improve oxygenation. Drying the infant briskly or suctioning the mouth may be necessary later but are not the initial priority. Chest compressions are not indicated as the heart rate is above 60 beats/min.
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Upon delivery of a baby's head, you see that the umbilical cord is wrapped around its neck. Initial treatment for this condition should include:
- A. Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord.
- B. Gently pulling on the cord to facilitate removal.
- C. Trying to remove the cord from around the neck.
- D. Keeping the cord moist and providing rapid transport.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When encountering a situation where the umbilical cord is wrapped around a baby's neck upon delivery, the initial treatment should involve trying to remove the cord from around the neck gently. It is crucial to handle this situation delicately to avoid causing harm to the baby. Attempting to ease the cord over the baby's head without pulling or tightening can help prevent potential complications associated with cord compression. Choice A, clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, is not recommended as it can lead to abrupt deprivation of oxygen to the baby. Choice B, gently pulling on the cord, can worsen the situation by tightening the cord around the baby's neck. Choice D, keeping the cord moist and providing rapid transport, is not the immediate concern and does not address the potential risks of cord compression during delivery. Therefore, the priority is to carefully attempt to remove the cord from around the baby's neck to ensure a safe delivery.
What is the proper depth of chest compressions for a 9-month-old infant?
- A. 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 1 1/2 inches.
- B. 1/4 the diameter of the chest or about 1 inch.
- C. 1/2 the diameter of the chest or about 2 inches.
- D. 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 3/4 inch.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When performing chest compressions on a 9-month-old infant, the proper depth is 1/3 the diameter of the chest, which equates to approximately 1 1/2 inches. This depth is crucial for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in infants. Choice B, which suggests 1/4 the diameter of the chest or about 1 inch, is incorrect as it does not provide the recommended depth for infants. Choice C, stating 1/2 the diameter of the chest or about 2 inches, is too deep and may cause harm to the infant. Choice D, mentioning 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 3/4 inch, is also incorrect as it underestimates the required depth for effective chest compressions on a 9-month-old infant.
When is a newborn considered premature?
- A. Weighs less than 6.5 pounds.
- B. Is born to a heroin-addicted mother.
- C. Is born before 37 weeks gestation.
- D. Has meconium in or around its mouth.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A newborn is considered premature if it is born before 37 weeks gestation. Premature birth increases the risk of various health problems as the baby may not be fully developed. Choice A is incorrect because the weight alone does not determine prematurity. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to a specific situation but not a direct indicator of prematurity. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of meconium does not solely indicate prematurity.
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.
When assessing a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, his blood pressure is 70/40 mm Hg, and his pulse rate is 140 beats/min and weak. The child's blood pressure:
- A. indicates decompensated shock.
- B. reflects adequate compensation.
- C. suggests increased intracranial pressure.
- D. is appropriate based on his age.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, a blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg and a pulse rate of 140 beats/min, and weak, indicate decompensated shock. This presentation signifies inadequate perfusion, leading to compensatory mechanisms being overwhelmed, resulting in decompensated shock. Choice B is incorrect as the vital signs suggest the body is unable to adequately compensate for the trauma. Choice C is incorrect as the vital signs are more indicative of shock rather than increased intracranial pressure. Choice D is incorrect as such low blood pressure is not appropriate for a child of this age and indicates a critical condition.