OEC Obstetric, Pediatric & Geriatric Emergencies

Question 1

A woman in her third trimester becomes dizzy and pale when lying flat on her back. What position helps relieve this?

Accepted Answer

Left lateral recumbent

Answer

Lying supine lets the uterus compress the inferior vena cava, which lowers venous return and blood pressure (supine hypotensive syndrome). Tilting her to the left lifts the uterus off the vessel.

Question 2

During a field delivery, which finding most clearly shows that birth is imminent?

Accepted Answer

Crowning of the baby's head

Answer

Crowning, when the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening, means delivery is imminent. The rescuer should prepare to support the head and not try to transport.

Question 3

What is the first priority for the newborn immediately after delivery?

Accepted Answer

Dry, warm and stimulate the baby

Answer

Newborns lose heat quickly. Drying, warming (including covering the head) and gently stimulating the baby supports breathing and prevents hypothermia.

Question 4

Why is padding often needed under the torso of a small child who is being immobilized on a backboard?

Accepted Answer

The child's head is proportionally larger, so it would flex the neck forward

Answer

A young child's head is large relative to the body. Lying flat, it pushes the neck into flexion, so padding under the torso is needed to keep a neutral alignment.

Question 5

Which statement about shock in children is correct?

Accepted Answer

Children compensate well, so hypotension is a late and ominous sign

Answer

Children maintain blood pressure until they have lost a large share of their blood volume. Tachycardia, pale cool skin and altered mental status come first, and hypotension signals decompensation.

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

OEC Obstetric, Pediatric & Geriatric Emergencies