A child with severe diarrhoea is lethargic, has a weak pulse, cold extremities, and cannot drink. Which action has priority?
Correct answer: B. Start prescribed isotonic intravenous fluid and reassess
- A. Offer small sips of oral rehydration solution
- B. Start prescribed isotonic intravenous fluid and reassess
- C. Give an antidiarrhoeal medicine before replacing fluid
- D. Wait for laboratory results before beginning treatment
Explanation
Lethargy, weak pulses, cold extremities, and inability to drink indicate severe dehydration with circulatory compromise. An isotonic intravenous fluid bolus is needed urgently according to the local protocol, with repeated assessment of perfusion.
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
A conscious child has a small hot-tea scald on the forearm, with no signs of airway injury or shock. Which first-aid action is appropriate?
A drowsy child may have swallowed an unknown number of tablets and has shallow breathing. Which action should the nurse take first?
A child is having an active generalized seizure in the ward. Which nursing action is the priority?
A child injured in a road traffic crash has noisy breathing and neck pain. Which action best protects the airway while reducing spinal movement?
A child with severe asthma becomes drowsy and has a very quiet chest with minimal air movement. Which action is the priority?
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?