Nokea
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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A 30-year-old woman has severe lower abdominal pain and light vaginal bleeding. She tells you that her last menstrual period was 2 months ago. On the basis of these findings, you should suspect:
- A. a normal pregnancy.
- B. a ruptured ovarian cyst.
- C. an ectopic pregnancy.
- D. a spontaneous abortion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe lower abdominal pain, light vaginal bleeding, and a history of missed periods are concerning for an ectopic pregnancy. The absence of a normal menstrual period along with these symptoms raises suspicion for an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of rupture and life-threatening complications. A normal pregnancy would typically present with different symptoms such as a positive pregnancy test and typical signs of early pregnancy. A ruptured ovarian cyst may present with similar symptoms but typically lacks the history of missed periods. A spontaneous abortion usually involves heavier bleeding and tissue passage, which is not described in this scenario.
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.
You are dispatched to a residence for a 5-year-old child who is not breathing. Upon arrival, you find the child supine on the floor, cyanotic, and unresponsive. You should first:
- A. begin chest compressions.
- B. open the airway and give two rescue breaths.
- C. apply an AED and analyze the rhythm.
- D. ask the parent for the child's medical history.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When encountering an unresponsive and not breathing child, the initial step is to open the airway and provide two rescue breaths. This action helps to deliver oxygen to the child's lungs and body, which is crucial in attempting to restore breathing and circulation. Chest compressions are not initiated first in pediatric cases unless the child has no signs of circulation after delivering rescue breaths. Applying an AED and analyzing the rhythm is not the initial step in a pediatric cardiac arrest scenario, as the primary focus should be on providing oxygenation. Asking the parent for the child's medical history is not the immediate priority when the child is unresponsive and not breathing, as interventions to support breathing and circulation should be the primary concern.
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.
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.