A child with severe asthma becomes drowsy and has a very quiet chest with minimal air movement. Which action is the priority?

Correct answer: C. Provide high-concentration oxygen and call the emergency team

  • A. Leave the child to rest and reassess after 30 minutes
  • B. Give oral fluids and place the child flat
  • C. Provide high-concentration oxygen and call the emergency team
  • D. Encourage deep coughing before starting any treatment

Explanation

Drowsiness and a quiet chest indicate critical airflow obstruction and possible respiratory failure, not improvement. Oxygen, urgent senior assistance, and preparation for assisted ventilation take priority because breathing is failing.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

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.

Practise Paediatric Emergencies

50 free Paediatric Emergencies MCQs from Paediatric Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Paediatric Nursing questions like this

Paediatric Nursing is on 9 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Paediatric Emergencies questions