PEARS Emergency Recognition 2

Question 1

A 3-year-old presents with stridor at rest, drooling, and refuses to move her neck. Which emergency does this presentation most suggest?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottitis

Answer

Drooling, refusal to swallow, stridor at rest, and a toxic appearance in a child are classic signs of epiglottitis, a life-threatening upper airway emergency.

Question 2

Which finding best distinguishes compensated shock from uncompensated (decompensated) shock in a pediatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Hypotension is the hallmark of decompensated shock; in compensated shock, blood pressure is maintained despite other signs of poor perfusion.

Question 3

A 6-month-old has a respiratory rate of 70 breaths/min, nasal flaring, and subcostal retractions. How should this infant's respiratory status be categorized?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress

Answer

Tachypnea with accessory muscle use (nasal flaring and retractions) indicates respiratory distress, signaling increased work of breathing.

Question 4

In PEARS, which of the following is the FIRST step in the systematic approach to a critically ill child?

Accepted Answer

Administer high-flow oxygen

Answer

In PEARS, administering high-flow oxygen is prioritized immediately upon recognition of respiratory distress or potential cardiopulmonary compromise.

Question 5

A child with septic shock will most likely present with which combination of findings?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia, fever, and altered mental status

Answer

Septic shock typically presents with tachycardia, signs of infection such as fever, and altered mental status due to decreased cerebral perfusion.

(PEARS) Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization Practice Test

(PEARS) Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization Practice Test

PEARS Emergency Recognition 2