When assisting ventilations in a 4-year-old child with a bag-valve mask, what should the EMT do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When assisting ventilations in a 4-year-old child with a bag-valve mask, the EMT should block the pop-off valve if needed to achieve adequate chest rise. This action helps ensure effective ventilation and adequate oxygenation in the child. Blocking the pop-off valve allows for better control over the volume of air delivered and can help maintain positive pressure in the airway, assisting in improving oxygenation and ventilation in the child. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because delivering each breath over 2 to 3 seconds is a general guideline but may need adjustment based on patient response, ensuring the appropriate mask size is important but not the primary concern in this scenario, and reassessing the pulse rate is not directly related to the ventilation technique being discussed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement regarding SIDS is that death usually occurs during sleep. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of a seemingly healthy infant, typically occurring during sleep. The exact cause of SIDS is not fully understood. While placing the baby on its back to sleep is a recommended preventive measure to reduce the risk of SIDS, it cannot guarantee prevention. Choice A is incorrect as SIDS is not limited to premature infants. Choice B is incorrect as SIDS is not primarily caused by child abuse.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with unresponsiveness, rapid, shallow respirations, thready pulses, high heart rate, and low oxygen saturation, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Ventilating the child with a bag-valve mask is crucial in this scenario to support her breathing and improve oxygenation, as indicated by her low oxygen saturation and respiratory distress. Starting chest compressions is not indicated as the child has a pulse. Administering high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask may not be as effective as providing positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask in this situation. Placing her in the recovery position is not appropriate when the child is unresponsive and in respiratory distress.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When encountering an unresponsive and not breathing child, the initial step is to open the airway and provide two rescue breaths. This action helps to deliver oxygen to the child's lungs and body, which is crucial in attempting to restore breathing and circulation. Chest compressions are not initiated first in pediatric cases unless the child has no signs of circulation after delivering rescue breaths. Applying an AED and analyzing the rhythm is not the initial step in a pediatric cardiac arrest scenario, as the primary focus should be on providing oxygenation. Asking the parent for the child's medical history is not the immediate priority when the child is unresponsive and not breathing, as interventions to support breathing and circulation should be the primary concern.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When ventilating an apneic child, the most important action is to avoid hyperventilation and ensure adequate chest rise. Hyperventilation can lead to decreased cardiac output and increased intracranial pressure. Adequate chest rise confirms effective ventilation and minimizes the risk of complications. Choice B is incorrect because using both hands to squeeze the bag may not ensure proper ventilation and can lead to complications. Choice C is incorrect as inserting an oropharyngeal airway is not the initial action in ventilating an apneic child with a bag-valve mask. Choice D is incorrect as providing ventilations every 3 to 5 seconds may not be appropriate for effective ventilation in a pediatric patient.