Fairly easy

A 2-year-old child has severe respiratory distress, central cyanosis, head bobbing, and an oxygen saturation of 84%. The airway is open and the child is breathing. Which action has priority?

Correct answer: A. Give high-concentration oxygen and call for urgent help

  • A. Give high-concentration oxygen and call for urgent help
  • B. Offer oral fluids and reassess after 15 minutes
  • C. Place the child flat and begin chest compressions
  • D. Give a sedative to reduce the work of breathing

Explanation

Severe hypoxaemia is an immediate breathing emergency, so oxygen and urgent assistance are required. Oral fluids and sedation can worsen the situation, while chest compressions are not indicated in a breathing child with signs of circulation.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Paediatric Emergencies

Paediatric emergencies cover rapid assessment using airway, breathing and circulation, basic life support, respiratory distress, choking, shock, seizures, poisoning, burns, severe dehydration and trauma. Questions focus on recognising danger signs, prioritising immediate nursing actions, calculating weight-based treatment and distinguishing compensated from decompensated shock.

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