Chapter 32 - Pediatric Emergencies

Question 1

A 6-month-old male presents with 2 days of vomiting and diarrhea. He is conscious, but his level of activity is decreased. The infant's mother tells you that he has not had a soiled diaper in over 12 hours. The infant's heart rate is 140 beats/min and his anterior fontanelle appears to be slightly sunken. You should suspect:
Select one:
A. moderate dehydration.
B. mild dehydration.
C. severe dehydration.  
D. hypovolemic shock.

Answer 1

A. moderate dehydration.

Question 2

Cardiac arrest in the pediatric population is MOST commonly the result of:
Select one:
A. lethal cardiac rhythm disturbances.
B. a complete airway obstruction. 
C. a congenital cardiovascular defect.
D. respiratory or circulatory failure.

Answer 2

D. respiratory or circulatory failure.

Question 3

Causes of infant death that may be mistaken for SIDS include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Select one:
A. severe infection. 
B. meningitis.
C. child abuse.
D. hyperglycemia.

Answer 3

D. hyperglycemia.

Question 4

Death caused by shaken baby syndrome is usually the result of:
Select one:
A. multiple open fractures.
B. bleeding in the brain.
C. intra-abdominal hemorrhage.
D. fracture of the cervical spine.

Answer 4

B. bleeding in the brain.

Question 5

Early signs of respiratory distress in the child include:
Select one:
A. bradycardia.
B. cyanosis. 
C. restlessness.
D. decreased LOC.

Answer 5

C. restlessness.

Question 6

Early signs of respiratory distress in the pediatric patient include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Select one:
A. retractions. 
B. tachypnea.
C. cyanosis.
D. abnormal airway noise.

Answer 6

C. cyanosis.

Question 7

When assessing an infant’s ventilation status, you should:
Select one:
A. give oxygen if the SpO2 is less than 90%.
B. observe the chest for rise and fall.
C. palpate the abdomen for rise and fall.
D. rule out hypoxia if cyanosis is absent.

Answer 7

C. palpate the abdomen for rise and fall.

Question 8

When assessing or treating an adolescent patient, it is important to remember that:
Select one:
A. they usually do not wish to be observed during a procedure.
B. it is generally not necessary to explain procedures in advance.
C. they often request medication to help in the relief of severe pain.
D. they cannot understand complex concepts and treatment options.

Answer 8

A. they usually do not wish to be observed during a procedure.

Question 9

Which of the following children would benefit the LEAST from a nonrebreathing mask?
Select one:
A. a conscious 4-year-old male with adequate tidal volume
B. an unresponsive 5-year-old male with shallow respirations
C. a semiconscious 7-year-old female with normal ventilation
D. a responsive 6-year-old male who responds appropriately

Answer 9

B. an unresponsive 5-year-old male with shallow respirations

Question 10

Which of the following groups of people is associated with the lowest risk of meningitis?
Select one:
A. geriatrics
B. females
C. newborns
D. children with shunts

Answer 10

B. females

Question 11

Which of the following is MORE common in children than in adults following a head injury?
Select one:
A. seizures and hypoxia
B. nausea and vomiting
C. loss of consciousness
D. spinal cord injury

Answer 11

B. nausea and vomiting

Question 12

Which of the following is the LEAST reliable assessment parameter to evaluate when determining the presence of shock in infants and children?
Select one:
A. skin condition 
B. heart rate
C. capillary refill
D. blood pressure

Answer 12

D. blood pressure

Question 13

An infant with severe dehydration would be expected to present with:
Select one:
A. excessive tearing.
B. absent urine output.
C. moist oral mucosa.
D. bulging fontanelles.

Answer 13

B. absent urine output.

Question 14

ventilation status, you should:
Select one:
A. observe the chest for rise and fall.
B. palpate the abdomen for rise and fall.
C. give oxygen if the SpO2 is less than 90%.
D. rule out hypoxia if cyanosis is absent.

Answer 14

B. palpate the abdomen for rise and fall.

Question 15

following is MORE common in children than in adults following a head injury?
Select one:
A. seizures and hypoxia
B. spinal cord injury
C. loss of consciousness
D. nausea and vomiting

Answer 15

D. nausea and vomiting

Question 16

Question text
Which of the following is the LEAST reliable assessment parameter to evaluate when determining the presence of shock in infants and children?
Select one:
A. capillary refill
B. skin condition
C. heart rate
D. blood pressure

Answer 16

D. blood pressure