Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

How should you respond if a child is in respiratory arrest with a central pulse of 55 bpm and shows signs of poor perfusion?

1. Monitor the pulse

2. Start CPR immediately

3. Provide rescue breaths only

4. Wait for emergency services

The correct answer is: Start CPR immediately

In a situation where a child is in respiratory arrest and has a central pulse that is significantly lower than normal—especially when it is accompanied by signs of poor perfusion—it is critical to act swiftly. A central pulse of 55 beats per minute indicates bradycardia, which is concerning in a pediatric patient who typically has a higher normal heart rate. Poor perfusion suggests that the child's body is not adequately receiving blood and oxygen, posing an immediate threat to their life. Starting CPR immediately is essential in this scenario. The combination of respiratory arrest and a low pulse rate, particularly when accompanied by signs of inadequate blood flow, necessitates prompt action. CPR serves two main purposes: it helps maintain blood circulation to vital organs and allows for artificial ventilation through rescue breaths, addressing both the respiratory and cardiac components of the emergency. Monitoring the pulse might seem reasonable, but in this context, it could lead to a delay in providing necessary lifesaving interventions. Providing rescue breaths only would not be sufficient when there is also a very low heart rate, and waiting for emergency services could result in a critical delay that may not be acceptable for the child's survival. Therefore, starting CPR immediately is the most effective and appropriate response.