Pediatric Anatomy & Physiology
What is the typical respiratory rate for an infant (0-1 year)?
30-60 breaths per minute.
What is the most common cause of respiratory distress in infants?
Respiratory infections, like bronchiolitis or croup
What is the pediatric version of the "AVPU" scale for assessing consciousness?
"A" for Alert, "V" for responds to Verbal stimuli, "P" for responds to Painful stimuli, "U" for Unresponsive.
What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for CPR in a pediatric patient when performing 1-rescuer CPR?
30 compressions to 2 breaths.
Which medication is commonly used to treat anaphylaxis in children?
Epinephrine (usually administered via an auto-injector).
At what age does the fontanel (soft spot) on an infant's skull typically close?
18-24 months.
What is a key symptom of a child experiencing an asthma attack?
Wheezing, especially during exhalation
What is the normal pulse rate for a child between 1-2 years old?
100-120 beats per minute
In pediatric CPR, what is the correct depth for chest compressions in a child (1-8 years)?
At least 1/3 the depth of the chest, about 2 inches (5 cm).
What is the correct dosing method for administering medication to a child in the prehospital setting?
The dose is typically based on weight, using a child’s weight (in kg) to determine the correct dose.
How does a child’s airway differ from an adult’s airway?
A child's airway is smaller and more flexible, with a larger tongue relative to the mouth, and the trachea is more narrow.
What condition is characterized by a "barking" cough and difficulty breathing, often seen in children under 5 years old?
Croup
When performing a primary assessment on a pediatric patient, what is the most important thing to check first?
Airway and breathing.
For infants, what is the method for providing chest compressions during CPR?
Use two fingers placed just below the nipple line.
For a child with suspected dehydration, what is the first treatment step?
Oral rehydration with an electrolyte solution (if the child is not in respiratory distress).
What is the primary cause of death in children younger than 1 year old?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
What is the most common cause of seizures in children under 5 years old?
Febrile seizures, often caused by a rapid rise in body temperature.
What is the preferred method for taking the blood pressure in an infant?
Using a pediatric-sized cuff on the upper arm
When should you use an infant’s CPR ratio of 15:2 (compressions to breaths)?
When there are two rescuers present.
Which medication can be used to reduce fever in a child?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin).
The pediatric circulatory system is more dependent on what type of compensation in response to blood loss?
The pediatric circulatory system compensates for blood loss through an increased heart rate rather than vasoconstriction, which is common in adults.
What is the primary treatment for a child suffering from a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)?
Administer epinephrine via an auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen).
The "Pediatric Assessment Triangle" (PAT) consists of which three components?
Appearance, Work of Breathing, Circulation to the Skin.
When providing ventilation for a pediatric patient, what is the key difference in technique compared to an adult?
You should give gentle breaths, just enough to make the chest rise without over-inflating.
When treating a pediatric patient with respiratory distress from an asthma attack, what medication should you administer via a nebulizer?
Albuterol (a bronchodilator).