Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is a critical sign of poor perfusion in a child requiring immediate CPR?

1. Rapid breathing

2. Cold extremities

3. High heart rate

4. Fever

The correct answer is: Cold extremities

Cold extremities indicate poor perfusion in a child, which is a critical sign that necessitates immediate CPR. When a child's body is not receiving adequate blood flow, the extremities, such as hands and feet, can become cold to the touch. This reflects that vital organs may not be receiving sufficient oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to life-threatening conditions. In emergencies, recognizing signs of poor perfusion is crucial since it can lead to respiratory or cardiac arrest. Cold extremities suggest that the body's compensatory mechanisms are failing, which should prompt the responder to act quickly, starting CPR if necessary. Other signs, while important, do not directly indicate poor perfusion the way cold extremities do. For instance, rapid breathing might occur due to anxiety or other conditions that are not immediately life-threatening, a high heart rate can be caused by various factors such as fever or excitement, and while fever can signal infection, it does not directly relate to perfusion issues. In situations requiring immediate action, the presence of cold extremities serves as a clear and urgent signal of inadequate perfusion.