2025–2026 | 400 Verified Questions &
Answers with Rationales | A+ Study Guide"
A 27-year-old woman in her third trimester is involved in a car
accident. She is conscious but complains of abdominal pain and
vaginal bleeding. What is your greatest concern?
A. Ectopic pregnancy
B. Placenta previa
C. Abruptio placentae
D. Uterine rupture
Answer: C. Abruptio placentae
Rationale: Abruptio placentae is a premature separation of the placenta,
often caused by trauma. It presents with pain and bleeding. Uterine rupture
is rarer and often fatal to the fetus.
Q2. You arrive on scene to find a 5-year-old who is lethargic, has a
high fever, and a stiff neck. What condition should you most suspect?
A. Febrile seizure
B. Meningitis
C. Epiglottitis
D. Croup
Answer: B. Meningitis
Rationale: A stiff neck, lethargy, and fever in a child strongly suggest
meningitis, a life-threatening infection requiring rapid transport and PPE
due to potential contagion.
,Q3. During delivery, you see a limb protruding from the vaginal
opening. This presentation is known as:
A. Breech
B. Frank breech
C. Limb presentation
D. Transverse lie
Answer: C. Limb presentation
Rationale: A single limb indicates limb presentation, which is a true
emergency. You must not attempt delivery—position the mother and
transport rapidly.
Q4. A 3-year-old is choking on a piece of candy and is conscious but
cannot cough or speak. What is the best immediate action?
A. Perform chest thrusts
B. Start CPR
C. Encourage coughing
D. Perform abdominal thrusts
Answer: D. Perform abdominal thrusts
Rationale: For a conscious child over 1 year old who cannot cough or
speak, abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) are indicated.
Q5. Which sign is most reliable for confirming adequate ventilations
in a newborn?
A. Pink coloration
B. Chest rise and fall
C. Pulse oximeter above 95%
D. Crying
Answer: B. Chest rise and fall
Rationale: Chest rise and fall confirms effective ventilation. Pink skin and
crying are reassuring, but may not always be present initially.
,Q6. What does the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) assess?
A. ABCs
B. Circulation, Airway, Disability
C. Appearance, Work of breathing, Circulation
D. Pulse, Skin, Pupils
Answer: C. Appearance, Work of breathing, Circulation
Rationale: PAT is a rapid visual assessment tool using three components
to quickly determine a child's clinical status.
Q7. A woman is 38 weeks pregnant and having contractions. You see
the baby's head at the vaginal opening. What is this?
A. Crowning
B. Stage 1 labor
C. Stage 2 labor
D. Delivery imminent
Answer: A. Crowning
Rationale: Crowning is the visible appearance of the baby's head. Delivery
is imminent; prepare for delivery immediately.
Q8. A febrile 2-year-old presents with stridor, drooling, and appears
anxious. What should you suspect?
A. Croup
B. Epiglottitis
C. Asthma
D. Bronchiolitis
Answer: B. Epiglottitis
Rationale: Drooling, stridor, fever, and anxiety in a toddler suggest
epiglottitis. Do not agitate the child. Provide calm oxygenation and
transport.
, Q9. You deliver a newborn who is apneic and has a heart rate of 80.
What should you do first?
A. Start chest compressions
B. Suction mouth and nose
C. Provide positive pressure ventilations
D. Rub the baby's back
Answer: C. Provide positive pressure ventilations
Rationale: HR <100 or apnea = begin PPV. Compressions start only if HR
<60 after 30 seconds of effective ventilation.
Q10. Which of the following is a late sign of pediatric respiratory
distress?
A. Nasal flaring
B. Retractions
C. Cyanosis
D. Tachypnea
Answer: C. Cyanosis
Rationale: Cyanosis is a late and ominous sign. Early signs include nasal
flaring, retractions, and increased respiratory rate.
Q11. What is the normal respiratory rate for a 6-month-old infant?
A. 10–20 bpm
B. 20–30 bpm
C. 30–60 bpm
D. 60–90 bpm
Answer: C. 30–60 bpm
Rationale: Infants breathe much faster than adults. 30–60 is a normal
range for a 6-month-old.