Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

What indicates that you should begin CPR on a child in respiratory failure?

1. Pulse above 70 bpm

2. Signs of poor perfusion

3. Breathing difficulties

4. Central pulse of 60 bpm

The correct answer is: Signs of poor perfusion

In the context of initiating CPR on a child experiencing respiratory failure, recognizing signs of poor perfusion is critical. Poor perfusion indicates that the child's body is not receiving adequate blood flow and oxygen, which can lead to a life-threatening situation. This state often arises due to a significant impairment in the respiratory and circulatory systems, and it usually manifests through symptoms such as altered mental status, lethargy, weak but rapid pulse, or cool, mottled skin. Understanding respiratory failure in children is essential since it can rapidly progress to cardiac arrest if the underlying issues are not promptly addressed. The presence of poor perfusion is a clear medical emergency that warrants immediate action, often necessitating the initiation of CPR to restore adequate oxygenation and blood circulation. On the other hand, while breathing difficulties may indicate a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention, they alone do not automatically trigger the need for CPR without accompanying signs of circulatory compromise. A pulse above 70 bpm might suggest the child still has some level of circulation, even if respiratory distress is present. Likewise, a central pulse of 60 bpm could indicate adequate perfusion for a child, depending on their age and condition, and does not necessarily indicate that CPR is needed at that moment. Therefore,