Pediatric Emergencies Flashcards
7 cards from real Paramedics Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pediatric Emergencies flashcards as text
A 2-year-old suspected of child abuse has multiple bruises in various stages of healing. Which finding would be most consistent with non-accidental trauma?
Answer: Bruising in areas not typical of falls, such as the buttocks and torso
Bruises in protected areas such as the buttocks, torso, back, and face—especially in multiple stages of healing—are highly suspicious for non-accidental trauma.
A 10-month-old presents limp with bulging fontanelle and a history of vomiting. Parents report the baby 'fell off the changing table.' What injury pattern is most concerning?
Answer: Retinal hemorrhages and subdural hematoma consistent with shaken baby syndrome
Retinal hemorrhages combined with subdural hematoma and an inconsistent history are classic findings of abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome).
A 9-year-old in respiratory distress has a history of asthma. After two albuterol treatments there is no improvement. What does this indicate?
Answer: Status asthmaticus requiring escalated treatment
Status asthmaticus is a severe, prolonged asthma attack that does not respond to initial bronchodilator therapy and requires aggressive management including IV magnesium sulfate and possible CPAP.
A 6-year-old presents with sudden onset of right-sided scrotal pain and swelling that has been present for 2 hours. What is the priority concern?
Answer: Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion presents with sudden severe scrotal pain and is a surgical emergency with a viability window of approximately 4–6 hours from symptom onset.
A 14-year-old female with a history of depression is found unresponsive. Her parents report finding an empty bottle of acetaminophen. What is the most significant delayed complication of acetaminophen overdose?
Answer: Hepatic failure
Acetaminophen overdose causes hepatotoxicity that may not present clinically for 24–72 hours after ingestion, making it a delayed but potentially fatal complication.
A 4-year-old is involved in a motor vehicle collision and presents with tachycardia, cool extremities, and capillary refill of 4 seconds. Blood pressure is 88/60 mmHg. What stage of shock does this represent?
Answer: Decompensated (uncompensated) shock
Decompensated shock in children is indicated by hypotension alongside tachycardia and poor perfusion; hypotension is a late and ominous sign in pediatric patients.
A 3-year-old ingests a button battery. Which complication is the most time-sensitive concern?
Answer: Esophageal perforation from electrical current and pressure necrosis
Button batteries lodged in the esophagus generate an electrical current that causes rapid liquefaction necrosis, potentially perforation or tracheoesophageal fistula within hours.