Pediatric Emergencies Flashcards

A 2-year-old presents with sudden onset barky cough, inspiratory stridor, and low-grade fever. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Croup is caused by parainfluenza virus and presents with the classic barky cough, stridor, and low-grade fever in children aged 6 months to 3 years.

What is the first-line treatment for moderate croup (stridor at rest) in the emergency department?

Answer: Oral or IM dexamethasone

Oral or IM dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg) is the first-line treatment for croup; it reduces airway inflammation and decreases the need for further interventions.

What is the appropriate defibrillation dose in a pediatric patient in ventricular fibrillation?

Answer: 2 J/kg initial, 4 J/kg for subsequent shocks

PALS guidelines recommend 2 J/kg for the initial pediatric defibrillation attempt and 4 J/kg for subsequent shocks.

A 3-year-old with febrile seizure is actively seizing for 8 minutes. What is the first-line treatment?

Answer: Lorazepam or diazepam IV/rectal

Benzodiazepines (lorazepam IV or rectal diazepam) are the first-line agents to abort febrile status epilepticus in children.

A 6-week-old infant presents with bilious vomiting, abdominal distension, and bloody stools. What is the most urgent concern?

Answer: Malrotation with midgut volvulus

Bilious vomiting in a neonate is malrotation with midgut volvulus until proven otherwise; it is a surgical emergency requiring immediate imaging and operative intervention.

Which weight estimation formula is commonly used in pediatric emergencies when a scale is unavailable?

Answer: Weight (kg) = (age in years + 4) × 2

The Broselow tape is preferred, but the formula Weight = (age + 4) × 2 is a common quick estimate for children aged 1–10 years.