PEARS Emergency Recognition 3

Question 1

Which clinical sign indicates upper airway obstruction in a pediatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Stridor

Answer

Stridor is a high-pitched sound caused by turbulent airflow through a narrowed upper airway, indicating obstruction at or above the larynx.

Question 2

A 10-month-old suddenly chokes while eating and now has no audible cry and poor air exchange. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Back blows and chest thrusts

Answer

For an infant with complete foreign body airway obstruction, the recommended intervention is five back blows followed by five chest thrusts, not abdominal thrusts.

Question 3

In the PEARS assessment, what does a 'look' component of the primary assessment include?

Accepted Answer

Observing chest rise, color, and mental status

Answer

The 'look' component involves visual observation of chest movement, skin color, and level of consciousness without touching the patient.

Question 4

Which pulse location is preferred when checking circulation in an infant during emergency assessment?

Accepted Answer

Brachial

Answer

The brachial artery is the preferred pulse check site in infants because the neck is short and fat, making the carotid difficult to palpate.

Question 5

A child presents with grunting respirations. What does grunting indicate in a pediatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Attempt to maintain functional residual capacity

Answer

Grunting is the child's attempt to create auto-PEEP by exhaling against a partially closed glottis, trying to maintain alveolar volume and oxygenation.

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

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

PEARS Emergency Recognition 3