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ATI Pediatrics Proctored Test
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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