Managing Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards
7 cards from real PALS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Managing Respiratory Emergencies flashcards as text
A 3-year-old presents with sudden onset stridor, drooling, and refusal to lie down. Which condition is most likely?
Answer: Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis classically presents with the 'tripod position,' drooling, high fever, and toxic appearance — lying down worsens airway obstruction.
When using a bag-mask device in a child, which ventilation rate is correct for a child with a pulse but absent respirations?
Answer: 12-20 breaths/min
PALS guidelines recommend 12–20 breaths/min for rescue breathing in a child with a perfusing rhythm but no spontaneous respirations.
A 6-month-old with RSV bronchiolitis has SpO2 of 88% on room air. What is the most appropriate initial oxygen delivery method?
Answer: High-flow nasal cannula
High-flow nasal cannula delivers warmed, humidified oxygen at flows exceeding anatomical dead space, improving oxygenation and reducing work of breathing in bronchiolitis.
During assessment of a pediatric patient in respiratory distress, which finding indicates impending respiratory failure?
Answer: Decreased muscle tone and poor respiratory effort
Decreased muscle tone combined with poor respiratory effort signals fatigue and impending arrest, requiring immediate intervention.
A child with known asthma arrives with severe wheeze, SpO2 92%, and accessory muscle use. After two doses of albuterol, symptoms persist. What is the next best intervention?
Answer: Administer IV magnesium sulfate
IV magnesium sulfate is indicated for severe, refractory asthma after initial bronchodilator therapy has failed, as it causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation.
Which finding best differentiates obstructive shock from respiratory failure as the primary cause of a child's decompensation?
Answer: Absent breath sounds on one side with tracheal deviation
Absent unilateral breath sounds with tracheal deviation indicate tension pneumothorax causing obstructive shock, not primary respiratory failure.
When performing nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) placement in a pediatric patient, which situation is an absolute contraindication?
Answer: Suspected basilar skull fracture
Suspected basilar skull fracture is an absolute contraindication to NPA insertion due to risk of intracranial placement.