Child and Infant CPR Flashcards

What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious child or infant?

Answer: The tongue falling back into the throat

In unconscious pediatric patients, the most common cause of airway obstruction is the relaxed tongue falling back and blocking the pharynx.

For child CPR performed by a single lay rescuer, what ratio is recommended?

Answer: 30:2

A single lay rescuer should use the same 30:2 ratio for children as for adults; the 15:2 ratio is reserved for two-rescuer child/infant CPR by healthcare providers.

Which of the following is correct regarding AED use on infants younger than 1 year?

Answer: A manual defibrillator is preferred, but an AED may be used if no manual defibrillator is available

For infants under 1 year, a manual defibrillator is preferred; however, AHA guidelines state that an AED (preferably with dose attenuator) may be used when no manual defibrillator is available.

If a child has a pulse but no breathing, what is the rescue breathing rate?

Answer: 12–20 breaths per minute

Children and infants with a pulse but no breathing should receive rescue breaths at 12–20 per minute (one breath every 3–5 seconds).

Why should you not perform a blind finger sweep to remove a foreign body from a child's mouth?

Answer: It may push the object deeper into the airway

Blind finger sweeps in children can push a foreign object further down the airway; only remove an object if you can directly see and grasp it.

What CPR action should you prioritize if you are alone and find an unresponsive child?

Answer: Perform 2 minutes of CPR, then call 911

For unwitnessed pediatric cardiac arrest, if you are alone, AHA recommends performing 5 cycles (about 2 minutes) of CPR before leaving to call 911, since pediatric arrest is often respiratory and early CPR is most critical.