Pediatrics / Special Populations-EMR / Medical Skills FAU

What are the three sides of the pediatric assessment triangle?

Appearance, breathing, circulation

T/F: An infant's tongue is proportionally larger than an adult's tongue.

True

Under what circumstances can a foreign body airway obstruction be removed from a pediatric patient's airway with the finger sweep method?

When the object is visible

Which of the following questions should be asked to the caregiver of an injured child during scene size-up?

Why was EMS called? What is the chief complaint? Has the child been moved?

T/F: Children who are in respiratory distress because of an airway disease are given the same emergency care as those with airway obstructions.

False

T/F: Children's skin is generally tougher and thicker than adults' skin.

False

T/F: EMS providers should communicate with pediatric patients in the same way that they communicate with adult patients.

False

T/F: Infants typically have a lower body temperature than all other pediatric age groups.

False

T/F: It is important for EMS providers to diagnose SIDS on the field.

False

T/F: Most infants breathe through their mouths.

False

What is the cause of a febrile seizure in pediatric patients?

Fever

Which type of fracture is common in the extremities of children?

Greenstick fractures

Why are the liver and spleen more prone to injury in children than in adults?

In children, these organs are not fully protected by the rib cage.

What might a bulging fontanelle on an infant's head indicate?

Increased intracranial pressure

Which of the following conditions are considered unstable in a child and require rapid transportation?

Isolated head injury Ingestion of a toxic substance Respiratory failure Shock

Which of the following is an appropriate response to a child who is having a seizure?

Move unsafe items out of the child's way.

Which of the following is true about shock in children?

Once signs of shock appear, the child will deteriorate rapidly.

Which of the following is most likely to be a possible indication of abuse?

Pattern of injury that does not match the reported mechanism of injury

What should suspicions of abuse be based on?

Patterns of injury and behavior

Which of the following is true about pediatric vital signs?

Pediatric vital signs are different, according to the age of a child.

What may occur if too much force is used when ventilating a child?

Pneumothorax

How should your suspicion of abuse affect patient assessment and care?

Provide assessment and care as you would any other patient

T/F: Only unstable pediatric patients should be given ABC management.

False

T/F: Signs of abuse are always obvious.

False

When does primary assessment for a pediatric patient begin?

"At the door"

A child in middle childhood or adolescence will have an average body temperature of ____.

98.6°F

Which of the following may be used to determine a child's level of consciousness?

AVPU check

Which of the following is the correct response to a suspected SIDS infant who shows no signs of rigor mortis or lividity?

Aggressively attempt to resuscitate the infant through CPR

Which of the following items is important during management of pediatric shock?

Assure airway and breathing. Control bleeding. Keep the patient warm. Arrange for prompt transport.

Which of the following is an example of a lower airway disease that may result in respiratory distress in children?

Asthma Bronchiolitis Pneumonia Pertussis

Why is a child's brain more prone to bleeding from an injury than an adult's brain?

Because a child's brain has less cushioning.

Why is it important for EMS providers to be able to recognize signs of respiratory distress in pediatric patients?

Because children with respiratory emergencies deteriorate quickly

Why are children able to compensate for shock for a long period of time?

Because their blood vessels constrict efficiently

Which method may be used to administer oxygen to children who do not tolerate a face mask?

Blow by method

Which two pulse points should be checked and compared when assessing the circulation of infant patients?

Brachial and femoral

Who are the most common targets of abuse?

Children and the elderly

Children generally have faster metabolisms than adults. What is one result of this faster metabolic rate?

Children use oxygen and glucose faster than adults.

Which of the following is true about children's rib cages?

Children's rib cages are more pliable than adults'

You are treating a child who you suspect has been abused. The child's parent is reluctant to allow the child to be transported. What should you do?

Convince the parent that the child needs to go to the hospital for proper assessment and care

Which of the following is a way in which a child might be exposed to a toxic substance?

Ingestion Inhalation Absorption Injection

After the scene of an incident involving a child has been secured, which of the following is an appropriate manner for an EMS provider to enter the scene?

Take a moment to observe the big picture and look for clues.

Why is a "trunk to head" evaluation sometimes recommended when performing a detailed physical exam on a small child who is not in critical condition?

The child may have less anxiety if the trunk of the body is examined before the head.

Which of the following is true of decompensated respiratory failure?

The patient is no longer able to compensate for insufficient oxygen

What is true of a pediatric patient who demonstrates stridor while in respiratory distress?

The patient probably has an upper airway obstruction.

What is the cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

There is no known cause.

Which of the following is always true about the role of an EMR or EMT during a pediatric poisoning incident?

They must treat the effects of the poisoning in the patient.

Why should the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver be used with caution in small children?

Tilting back the head may pinch and block the child's airway.

T/F: A child's head is proportionally larger in relation to the body than an adult's head.

True

T/F: A newborn's respiratory rate is normally faster than any other pediatric age group.

True

T/F: Children have a larger body surface area than adults in relation to their body mass

True

T/F: Following a SIDS incident, EMS providers should offer support to the family and caregivers.

True

T/F: In early respiratory distress, an increased respiratory rate is usually able to compensate for insufficient oxygen levels.

True

T/F: Most children rely on their diaphragms for breathing.

True

T/F: Neglect is a form of abuse

True

T/F: Pediatric patients have an increased risk of airway obstruction.

True

T/F: Respiratory arrest often leads to cardiac arrest in pediatric patients.

True

When forming a general impression about a pediatric patient, which of the following is true of a "sick" child?

Unaware of your presence

At what point during assessment should the pediatric assessment triangle be used?

When forming the general impression