Respiratory Distress and Failure Flashcard 4
Rationale
A. Rationale: Pediatric patients commonly present with tachypnea or rapid and shallow breathing in early-stage hypercapnia to eliminate excess carbon dioxide. If this is not corrected, the increased respiratory effort will lead to respiratory distress, and subsequently, fatigue and bradypnea. A depressed level of consciousness presents when the hypercapnia gets more severe as the patient enters respiratory failure. Hypercapnia is defined as a PaCO2 over 45. Tachycardia may or may not be present, but by itself is not the physiologic response to the hypercapnia.
Question
Which of the following signs or symptoms is typically observed in a pediatric patient with mild hypercapnia?
a. Depressed level of consciousness
b. Tachypnea
c. Tachycardia
d. PaCO2 below 35
Answer
a. Depressed level of consciousness
Rationale
B. Rationale: Endotracheal intubation with ventilatory support is the most effective intervention for a child with respiratory failure.
Question
You are caring for a 7-year-old girl with status asthmaticus. What is the most effective intervention for a child with respiratory failure?
a. Oxygen supplementation at 100%
b. Endotracheal intubation with ventilatory support
c. Continuous positive airway pressure
d. Chest compressions
Answer
b. Endotracheal intubation with ventilatory support