Free Paediatric Emergencies MCQs with Answers

• A. Place the child in the recovery position and observe
• B. Begin chest compressions while help is activated
• C. Give oral glucose and reassess consciousness
• D. Insert an oral airway before calling for help

Explanation: Abnormal gasping is not normal breathing, so the child requires immediate paediatric resuscitation.

• A. Give five abdominal thrusts followed by back blows
• B. Give five back blows followed by five chest thrusts
• C. Sweep the mouth with a finger to remove the object
• D. Place the infant flat and begin mouth-to-mouth breathing

Explanation: For a conscious infant with severe choking, alternate five back blows with five chest thrusts until the object is expelled or the infant…

• A. Cool hands with a prolonged capillary refill
• B. Fast pulse with normal blood pressure
• C. Lethargy, weak pulses, and falling blood pressure
• D. Anxiety with increased respiratory rate

Explanation: Decompensated shock occurs when compensatory mechanisms can no longer maintain organ perfusion.

• A. 150 mL
• B. 200 mL
• C. 300 mL
• D. 450 mL

Explanation: The calculation is 20 mL/kg × 15 kg = 300 mL. An isotonic fluid bolus is given for circulatory compromise as prescribed, followed by…

• A. Insert a padded tongue blade between the teeth
• B. Restrain the arms and legs to prevent injury
• C. Clear nearby hazards and protect the child from injury
• D. Give oral water to prevent dehydration during the seizure

Explanation: The nurse should protect the child from injury, maintain a safe airway position when possible, and observe the seizure pattern and…

• A. Induce vomiting to remove the tablets
• B. Give milk to dilute the swallowed medicine
• C. Assess and support the airway and breathing
• D. Give activated charcoal before checking vital signs

Explanation: Airway and breathing are the immediate priorities because respiratory depression can rapidly become fatal.

• A. Apply ice directly to the burned skin
• B. Cover the burn with thick cotton wool
• C. Cool the burn under clean running water for 20 minutes
• D. Break blisters and apply an antibiotic powder

Explanation: Clean, cool running water for 20 minutes helps limit thermal injury when started promptly.

• 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.

• A. Extend the neck and lift the chin forcefully
• B. Use a jaw thrust with manual in-line neck stabilisation
• C. Turn the head fully to one side before suctioning
• D. Sit the child upright without supporting the neck

Explanation: A jaw thrust with manual in-line stabilisation opens the airway while limiting cervical spine movement.

• 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.

• 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.

• A. Encourage the child to continue coughing
• B. Perform repeated abdominal thrusts immediately
• C. Give water to help move the object down
• D. Sweep the mouth with a finger to find the object

Explanation: An effective cough can clear a partial obstruction, so the nurse should encourage coughing and observe closely.

• A. Place the child in the recovery position and monitor breathing
• B. Hold the child firmly to prevent another seizure
• C. Give oral water to prevent dehydration
• D. Insert a spoon between the teeth to protect the tongue

Explanation: The recovery position helps keep the airway open and reduces aspiration while breathing is monitored.

• A. Apply firm direct pressure to the bleeding wound
• B. Give an oral analgesic before treating the wound
• C. Elevate the injured leg without controlling bleeding
• D. Wait for hypotension before starting emergency care

Explanation: The findings indicate compensated shock, and ongoing blood loss can rapidly cause decompensation.

• A. Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed skin
• B. Induce vomiting to remove the pesticide
• C. Give milk to dilute the swallowed chemical
• D. Allow the child to walk outside without assessment

Explanation: Removing contamination protects the child and staff from continued absorption and exposure.

• A. Do not induce vomiting and arrange urgent medical assessment
• B. Give vinegar to neutralise the alkaline chemical
• C. Induce vomiting before the chemical reaches the stomach
• D. Give activated charcoal without consulting a poison service

Explanation: Caustic substances can burn the mouth and oesophagus again if vomited, so vomiting and attempted neutralisation are unsafe.

• A. Switch off the electrical supply before touching the child
• B. Apply cold water to the burn immediately
• C. Pull the child away with bare hands
• D. Cover the burn with ointment before assessment

Explanation: The power source must be disconnected first because touching the child while current is present can injure the rescuer.

• A. I will give oral rehydration solution in frequent small sips
• B. I will stop breastfeeding until the diarrhoea ends
• C. I will give only plain water for the next 24 hours
• D. I will use an antidiarrhoeal medicine after every stool

Explanation: Frequent small amounts of oral rehydration solution replace water and electrolytes and are better tolerated during diarrhoea.

• A. Keep the child still, support circulation, and summon emergency help
• B. Encourage walking to check whether the legs are injured
• C. Give a large oral drink while waiting for transport
• D. Apply deep pressure over the painful pelvic area

Explanation: Pelvic injury can cause major internal bleeding even without visible blood, so movement must be minimised and circulation support started…

• A. Give a rapidly absorbed oral glucose source and reassess
• B. Give a long-acting insulin dose immediately
• C. Keep the child nil by mouth until fully alert
• D. Encourage exercise to lower the blood glucose level

Explanation: Sweating, tremor, and confusion are typical of hypoglycaemia, and a child who can swallow safely should receive fast-acting oral glucose.