Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

Is it true or false that a child in cardiac arrest due to drowning should immediately start CPR with compressions?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if there is no pulse

4. Only after checking for breathing

The correct answer is: False

In the context of a child experiencing cardiac arrest due to drowning, immediate CPR is crucial. However, the assertion that compressions should not start until specific checks for breathing or pulse are conducted aligns with standard CPR protocols that prioritize clarity in emergency response. When a child is pulled from water and shows no signs of breathing or consciousness, it is essential to begin CPR as quickly as possible. However, in the case of drowning, the rescuers may need to consider the circumstances and possible reasons for the cardiac arrest. In an emergency situation, such as drowning, there may be particular guidelines suggesting that one should focus on rescue breaths first after ensuring the airway is clear, especially since the child might not have a heart rate due to asphyxia caused by water ingestion. This is particularly relevant in pediatric cases. In this situation, starting CPR with compressions without first assessing breathing is generally not considered best practice from a medical standpoint, hence could reaffirm the false assertion in the context given. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the child’s respiratory needs before commencing compressions rather than conducting compressions immediately without assessment. Understanding that in many cases you should not immediately dive into compressions without basic checks highlights the critical nature of evaluating the situation while ensuring the highest priority actions in a