COPR Obstetrical, Neonatal and Pediatric Emergencies

Question 1

A newborn's heart rate remains below 100 bpm after drying and stimulation. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Start positive pressure ventilation

Answer

Per neonatal resuscitation guidelines, a heart rate below 100 bpm or apnea after initial steps calls for positive pressure ventilation. Compressions are started only if the heart rate stays below 60 bpm despite effective ventilation.

Question 2

During delivery, the fetal head emerges but the shoulders do not follow (shoulder dystocia). Which maneuver is appropriate first?

Accepted Answer

McRoberts maneuver

Answer

The McRoberts maneuver flexes the mother's thighs sharply onto her abdomen, widening the pelvic outlet. Suprapubic pressure may be added. Fundal pressure and traction on the head can worsen the impaction and injure the infant.

Question 3

A pregnant patient at 36 weeks has a seizure with severe hypertension. Which medication is the treatment of choice for eclamptic seizures?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium sulfate

Answer

Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for preventing and treating eclamptic seizures, and it is more effective than benzodiazepines for this purpose.

Question 4

What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in infants and children?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory failure or hypoxia

Answer

Pediatric arrests are usually secondary to progressive respiratory failure or shock. Airway and ventilation are therefore central to pediatric resuscitation.

Question 5

A woman in the third trimester becomes hypotensive and dizzy when lying supine. What is the best action?

Accepted Answer

Position her on her left side or manually displace the uterus to the left

Answer

The gravid uterus can compress the inferior vena cava when the patient is supine, which reduces venous return. Left lateral positioning or leftward uterine displacement relieves the compression.

COPR - Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators Examination Practice Test

COPR - Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators Examination Practice Test

COPR Obstetrical, Neonatal and Pediatric Emergencies