Nursing Elites

1. What is the MOST common cause of shock in infants and children?

• A. Severe allergic reaction
• B. Dehydration
• C. Accidental poisoning
• D. Cardiac failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dehydration is the most common cause of shock in infants and children. In children, the body's fluid reserves are smaller compared to adults, making them more susceptible to dehydration, which can lead to shock if not promptly addressed. Severe allergic reactions, accidental poisoning, and cardiac failure can also cause shock, but dehydration is the most frequent cause in this age group.

2. 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.

3. When responding to a call for a 2-year-old child who fell from a second-story window, with the mechanism of injury and the age of the patient in mind, you should suspect that the primary injury occurred to the child's:

• A. chest.
• B. head.
• C. lower extremities.
• D. abdomen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a scenario where a young child falls from a significant height like a second-story window, the primary injury is more likely to be to the head. This is because young children have proportionately larger head sizes compared to their body, making them more susceptible to head injuries in such falls. The chest (Choice A), lower extremities (Choice C), and abdomen (Choice D) are less likely to sustain the primary injury in this scenario, as the impact of the fall and the child's anatomy predispose the head to be the most affected area.

4. 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.

5. You and your partner are performing CPR on a 2-year-old female in cardiac arrest. During your resuscitation attempt, you should:

• A. hyperventilate her due to severe hypoxia.
• B. attach the AED pads after 5 minutes of high-quality CPR.
• C. perform compressions and ventilations at a ratio of 30:2.
• D. allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions is crucial during CPR to ensure proper blood flow. This action allows the heart to refill with blood, enhancing the effectiveness of compressions and circulation. Hyperventilating the patient can lead to decreased cardiac output and is not recommended. Attaching AED pads should be done as soon as possible in a pediatric cardiac arrest situation, ideally within 2 minutes. The correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for pediatric CPR is 30:2, focusing on high-quality compressions to provide adequate perfusion to vital organs.

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