Pediatric Emergencies Flashcards

A 3-year-old presents with inspiratory stridor, a barking cough, and low-grade fever. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Croup classically presents with a barking seal-like cough, inspiratory stridor, and low-grade fever in children aged 6 months to 3 years.

When assessing a pediatric patient, which component of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) evaluates skin color, moisture, and temperature?

Answer: Circulation to skin

Circulation to skin in the PAT evaluates skin color (pallor, mottling, cyanosis), moisture, and temperature as indirect indicators of perfusion.

A 6-week-old infant presents with projectile vomiting after every feeding, hunger after vomiting, and an olive-shaped mass in the epigastrium. What condition should the AEMCA suspect?

Answer: Pyloric stenosis

Pyloric stenosis typically presents at 2–6 weeks of age with nonbilious projectile vomiting, persistent hunger, and a palpable pyloric 'olive' mass.

Which fluid bolus volume is recommended for a pediatric patient in hemorrhagic shock?

Answer: 20 mL/kg normal saline or lactated Ringer's

Initial fluid resuscitation for pediatric shock is 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid (normal saline or lactated Ringer's), which may be repeated up to three times.

A 4-year-old is found unresponsive after suspected submersion. After 5 initial rescue breaths, you find no pulse. What is the correct CPR compression-to-ventilation ratio for a two-rescuer pediatric resuscitation?

Answer: 15:2

Two-rescuer pediatric CPR uses a 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio, optimizing coronary perfusion pressure while accounting for the often respiratory-cause of pediatric arrest.

A 2-year-old with known febrile seizures presents with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 8 minutes. The child remains postictal. What is the most appropriate prehospital intervention?

Answer: Provide supplemental oxygen, obtain IV access, and transport

A febrile seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is considered prolonged and warrants oxygen, IV/IO access for potential benzodiazepine administration, and transport for evaluation.

Which anatomical feature of a pediatric airway makes children more susceptible to airway obstruction compared to adults?

Answer: Proportionally larger tongue and more anterior, superior larynx

Children have a proportionally larger tongue and a more anterior and cephalad larynx, making visualization and management of the pediatric airway more challenging.