Recognizing Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards

In the PEARS primary assessment, which element of the respiratory exam evaluates the child's ability to maintain adequate gas exchange?

Answer: Pulse oximetry (SpO2)

Pulse oximetry reflects oxygenation status and is the primary indicator of adequate gas exchange during respiratory assessment.

A 5-year-old is found unresponsive with agonal gasps occurring every 8–10 seconds. How should this breathing be classified?

Answer: Absent or ineffective breathing requiring rescue breaths

Agonal gasps are ineffective and do not support oxygenation; the child requires immediate rescue breathing.

Which position best opens the airway of an unresponsive infant without suspected cervical spine injury?

Answer: Neutral sniffing position

The neutral sniffing position aligns the airway axes optimally in infants without cervical injury.

A child in respiratory failure due to bronchiolitis is receiving blow-by oxygen but remains cyanotic with SpO2 of 78%. What is the most appropriate next intervention?

Answer: Begin bag-mask ventilation

SpO2 of 78% with cyanosis despite supplemental oxygen indicates respiratory failure requiring immediate bag-mask ventilation.

Which respiratory rate would be considered tachypneic for a 10-year-old child?

Answer: 26 breaths/min

A respiratory rate above 20 breaths/min in a 10-year-old is considered tachypneic and warrants further assessment.

A 7-month-old presents with 3 days of rhinorrhea and now has subcostal retractions, expiratory wheezing, and SpO2 of 91%. Which diagnosis is most consistent?

Answer: Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis typically presents in infants under 2 years with viral URI prodrome followed by lower airway wheezing and retractions.

During the initial assessment of a child with respiratory distress, which finding most directly indicates the need for immediate intervention?

Answer: SpO2 of 91% on room air

SpO2 below 94% indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires immediate oxygen therapy or ventilatory support.