Question

A 9-year-old child is brought to the emergency department because the child suddenly collapsed at school. The child's ECG reveals the following waveform, and primary assessment findings indicate that the child has inadequate perfusion. Which primary assessment findings indicate this?

a.Hypertension
b.Hypotension
c.Signs of shock
d.Acutely altered mental status
e.Normotension

Answer 1

A child with inadequate perfusion may display signs of shock and an acutely altered mental status. ECG abnormalities can signal various cardiac issues but may require additional testing for complete diagnosis and assessment. Option c.

Step-by-step explanation:

Primary assessment findings that indicate inadequate perfusion in a 9-year-old child with a sudden collapse and abnormal ECG include c. Signs of shock and d. Acutely altered mental status. Signs of shock in a pediatric patient may manifest as cool, clammy skin, rapid and shallow breathing, thirst, and a rapid but weak pulse. An acutely altered mental status can be reflected by confusion, drowsiness, or unresponsiveness. The ECG can reveal many issues such as myocardial infarction or arrhythmias, which are often signaled by changes in the P wave, QRS complex, T wave, and ST segment.

However, to fully determine the cause and to assess the effectiveness of the heart's pumping action, other tests such as echocardiograms may be needed. Primary assessment findings that indicate inadequate perfusion in a child who suddenly collapsed at school include hypotension, signs of shock, and an acutely altered mental state.