CEP CEP Pediatric & Obstetric Emergencies 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct formula for estimating endotracheal tube size in a pediatric patient?
- (Age + 16) / 4
- (Age / 4) + 4 (Correct answer)
- Age / 4 + 16
- (Age + 4) / 4
Correct answer: (Age / 4) + 4
The formula (Age / 4) + 4 gives the uncuffed ETT size in millimeters for pediatric patients.
Question 2: A newborn delivered in the field is apneic and has a heart rate of 55 bpm. What is the first intervention?
- Administer epinephrine
- Begin chest compressions
- Positive pressure ventilation with oxygen (Correct answer)
- Dry and stimulate the infant
Correct answer: Positive pressure ventilation with oxygen
Positive pressure ventilation is the priority intervention for a newborn with apnea and bradycardia before starting compressions.
Question 3: What is the normal respiratory rate range for a 2-year-old child?
- 12–20 breaths/min
- 20–30 breaths/min
- 24–40 breaths/min (Correct answer)
- 30–60 breaths/min
Correct answer: 24–40 breaths/min
Normal respiratory rate for a toddler aged 1–3 years is approximately 24–40 breaths per minute.
Question 4: Which sign is most indicative of compensated shock in a pediatric patient?
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia with normal blood pressure (Correct answer)
- Bradycardia
- Altered mental status
Correct answer: Tachycardia with normal blood pressure
Children can maintain blood pressure through vasoconstriction and tachycardia until late in shock, making tachycardia with normal BP a sign of compensated shock.
Question 5: A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation is found supine and hypotensive. What is the immediate intervention?
- Administer IV fluid bolus
- Place in left lateral decubitus position (Correct answer)
- Elevate the legs
- Administer vasopressors
Correct answer: Place in left lateral decubitus position
Left lateral decubitus positioning relieves aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus, improving venous return and blood pressure.
Question 6: What Apgar component assesses the infant's reflex irritability at 1 and 5 minutes after birth?
- Grimace/reflex response (Correct answer)
- Muscle tone
- Heart rate
- Respiratory effort
Correct answer: Grimace/reflex response
Grimace or reflex irritability is assessed by the response to stimulation such as a nasal catheter or flicking the sole of the foot.
CEP CEP Pediatric & Obstetric Emergencies 1
What is the correct formula for estimating endotracheal tube size in a pediatric patient?