The child is a 2-year-old who fell into a pool. He was retrieved from the pool by a family member but was not breathing. The family member started CPR, and the ambulance brought him to the hospital.
What factors are important in determining the level of hypoxemia that the child may have experienced during the submersion?
Select all that apply.
Temperature of water
The weight of the child
Oxygen concentration of the ambient air
Whether or not anyone witnessed the fall into the pool
The amount of time the child was submerged
Correct Answer : A,E
The level of hypoxemia that the child may have experienced during the submersion depends on several factors, but the most important ones are:
- The **temperature of water**: Cold water can induce a diving reflex, which lowers the heart rate and oxygen consumption, and may protect the brain from hypoxic injury¹². Cold water can also cause laryngospasm, which prevents water aspiration but also impairs gas exchange.
- The **amount of time the child was submerged**: The longer the submersion, the more severe the hypoxemia and the higher the risk of brain damage and death. The survival rate decreases significantly after 5 minutes of submersion³.
The other factors are less relevant or not directly related to the level of hypoxemia:
- The **weight of the child**: This may affect the buoyancy and the ability to float or swim, but not the oxygen consumption or gas exchange during submersion¹.
- The **oxygen concentration of the ambient air**: This may affect the pre-submersion oxygen saturation, but not the rate of oxygen depletion or gas exchange during submersion¹.
- The **witnessing of the fall into the pool**: This may affect the time to rescue and resuscitation, but not the level of hypoxemia during submersion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Croup is a respiratory infection that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airway, resulting in a barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor. The PN should monitor the child's oxygen saturation level via pulse oximetry, as it can indicate the severity of the airway obstruction and the need for supplemental oxygen or other interventions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Skipped eating lunch would more likely cause hypoglycemia rather than diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). When a person with type 1 diabetes skips a meal but still takes insulin, blood glucose levels drop, leading to hypoglycemia, not the elevated glucose and ketone production seen in DKA.
B. Incorrectly administered too much insulin would also result in hypoglycemia rather than DKA. Administering excessive insulin causes blood glucose levels to fall too low, which does not trigger the fat breakdown and ketone production that characterize DKA.
C. Had a cold and ear infection for the past two days is the most likely cause of diabetic ketoacidosis. Illness and infection cause the body to release stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which increase blood glucose levels and counteract insulin. In type 1 diabetes, insufficient insulin leads to hyperglycemia, fat breakdown for energy, and the production of ketones, resulting in DKA.
D. Ate an extra peanut butter sandwich before gym class would not cause DKA. Consuming extra food may raise blood glucose temporarily, but it would not lead to the severe insulin deficiency and ketone production seen in DKA, especially if the adolescent took insulin as prescribed.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today