Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

What should be prioritized for a child in respiratory failure?

1. Check their blood pressure

2. Provide comfort and reassurance

3. Deliver efficient ventilations

4. Allow the child to rest quietly

The correct answer is: Deliver efficient ventilations

In the context of a child experiencing respiratory failure, delivering efficient ventilations is fundamentally prioritized as it directly addresses the immediate and critical need for oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. Respiratory failure indicates that the child is unable to maintain adequate gas exchange, which can lead to severe hypoxia and subsequent organ damage if not promptly managed. Providing effective ventilations ensures that the child receives the necessary support to maintain adequate levels of oxygen, which is vital for cellular function and overall physiological stability. Whether through Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) ventilation or other approved methods, this action is crucial in stabilizing the child's condition and preventing further complications. While providing comfort and reassurance, checking blood pressure, and allowing the child to rest quietly are supportive measures that can contribute to overall care, they do not address the life-threatening aspect of respiratory failure. The immediate priority in such emergencies must always focus on restoring normal breathing and ensuring the child can sustain adequate oxygen levels. Thus, the focus on delivering efficient ventilations is consistent with best practice protocols in pediatric emergency care.