Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is an appropriate action when a 4-year-old child is in respiratory failure?

1. Deliver 2 ventilations every minute

2. Check pulse and breathing every 2 minutes

3. Perform abdominal thrusts

4. Leave the child for help

The correct answer is: Check pulse and breathing every 2 minutes

The appropriate action when a 4-year-old child is in respiratory failure focuses on ensuring the child receives continuous monitoring and assistance. Checking the pulse and breathing every 2 minutes allows you to assess the child's condition, ensuring that you are able to recognize any changes in their state and provide timely interventions if the situation worsens. This regular monitoring is crucial for a child in respiratory distress since their condition can quickly change. In respiratory failure, the child may not be able to breathe adequately, which puts them at risk of further complications. Regularly checking their pulse and breathing helps to ensure that they are receiving some level of oxygenation and provides crucial information to emergency responders when they arrive. Other options do not address the immediate needs of a child in respiratory failure. For instance, delivering ventilations every minute without considering the specific rate and needs of the child may not provide adequate ventilation support. Performing abdominal thrusts is inappropriate for respiratory failure as it is used for choking, and leaving the child for help would delay necessary care that could be critical if the child’s condition deteriorates.