Child and Infant BLS Flashcards

When performing CPR on an infant, what is the correct hand position for chest compressions?

Answer: Both thumbs side by side on the center of the chest with hands encircling the torso

The two-thumb encircling technique is preferred for infant CPR as it generates better coronary perfusion pressure.

A child is found unresponsive and not breathing. You are alone. What is the correct sequence of actions?

Answer: Begin CPR immediately while someone else calls 911, or after 2 minutes if alone

For pediatric cardiac arrest, perform 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call 911 if you are alone, since the most common cause is respiratory failure.

What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio when two rescuers are performing CPR on a child?

Answer: 15:2

Two-rescuer CPR for children uses a 15:2 ratio to provide more frequent ventilations given the respiratory cause of most pediatric arrests.

During infant BLS, how deep should chest compressions be?

Answer: At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)

Infant chest compressions should be at least 1.5 inches (approximately one-third the anteroposterior diameter of the chest).

A 3-year-old has a pulse of 40 bpm and is unresponsive and apneic. What is the next action?

Answer: Start CPR with compressions and breaths

A severely bradycardic, apneic, unresponsive child requires immediate CPR including both compressions and ventilations.

When delivering rescue breaths to an infant, what is the correct technique?

Answer: Mouth-to-mouth-and-nose with just enough air to make the chest rise

For infants, cover both the mouth and nose with your mouth and give small puffs just sufficient to see chest rise.

What finding indicates that your rescue breath was effective during infant CPR?

Answer: Visible chest rise

Visible chest rise is the primary indicator that a rescue breath was delivered effectively and the airway is patent.

A child is found unresponsive with a suspected foreign body airway obstruction. When should you perform a blind finger sweep?

Answer: Only if you can see the object in the mouth during CPR

Blind finger sweeps are not recommended in children; only remove a foreign body if it is clearly visible in the mouth.

What rate should chest compressions be delivered during pediatric CPR?

Answer: 100–120 compressions per minute

Current AHA guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100–120 per minute for both adult and pediatric CPR.

A 5-year-old is choking and becomes unresponsive. What should you do next?

Answer: Lower the child to the ground and begin CPR

When a choking child becomes unresponsive, lower them to the ground and begin CPR, looking for the object in the mouth before each set of breaths.

Which term describes allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions?

Answer: Full chest recoil

Full chest recoil between compressions is essential to allow venous return and effective cardiac filling.

During two-rescuer infant CPR, when should the compressor and ventilator switch roles?

Answer: Every 2 minutes or 5 cycles of CPR

Rescuers should switch roles every 2 minutes (or every 5 cycles) to prevent fatigue and maintain adequate compression quality.

An 8-month-old has a witnessed cardiac arrest. Two trained rescuers are present. What compression-to-ventilation ratio should they use?

Answer: 15:2

Two trained rescuers performing CPR on an infant or child should use a 15:2 ratio to increase ventilation frequency.

What is the correct depth of chest compressions for a child (1 year to puberty)?

Answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm)

For children, compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) or approximately one-third the anteroposterior chest diameter.

A child regains spontaneous circulation after CPR. What position should you place the child in if no spinal injury is suspected?

Answer: Recovery position (lateral recumbent)

The recovery (lateral recumbent) position maintains airway patency and allows drainage of secretions after return of spontaneous circulation.

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

Answer: Respiratory failure or airway obstruction

Unlike adults, pediatric cardiac arrest is most often caused by respiratory failure leading to hypoxia and subsequent cardiac arrest.

During infant CPR, you are using the two-finger technique. Where exactly should you place your fingers?

Answer: On the center of the chest, just below the nipple line

For the two-finger technique, place fingers on the center of the chest just below an imaginary line connecting the nipples.

What action should you take if a second rescuer arrives while you are performing single-rescuer CPR on a child?

Answer: Switch to 15:2 two-rescuer CPR with one rescuer on compressions and one on ventilations

When a second rescuer is available, switch to the two-rescuer 15:2 ratio for children to optimize compressions and ventilations.

What is the correct head position for opening the airway in an infant?

Answer: Neutral or slightly extended 'sniffing' position

In infants, the airway is best opened with the head in a neutral or slightly extended 'sniffing' position; hyperextension can actually obstruct the airway.

During CPR on a child, a provider should avoid which of the following?

Answer: Leaning on the chest between compressions

Leaning on the chest between compressions prevents full recoil, which reduces venous return and decreases CPR effectiveness.