Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

Which assessment should be performed every 2 minutes during the care of a child in respiratory arrest?

1. Breathing and skin color

2. Breathing and pulse

3. Pulse and level of consciousness

4. Breathing rate and temperature

The correct answer is: Breathing and pulse

In the context of a child in respiratory arrest, performing assessments that focus on breathing and pulse is crucial. During a respiratory arrest, the child is not breathing adequately, which affects oxygen saturation and can lead to cardiac arrest if untreated. Thus, it is essential to continuously monitor both the breathing (to identify any changes in respiratory effort, even if minimal) and the pulse (to ensure the heart is still functioning and to check for signs of impending cardiac arrest). Monitoring breathing directly assesses the effectiveness of any resuscitation efforts, such as artificial ventilation, while checking the pulse ensures that there is still blood circulation. If a pulse is absent or weak, immediate action can be prioritized to restore circulation. Therefore, the combination of these two vital signs provides a crucial overview of the child's physiological status, enabling timely interventions to address any deteriorating conditions.