Pediatric Critical Care — MCQs

Pediatric Critical Care Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 111: Which of the following statements about shock in children is correct?

A. Tachycardia is a sensitive indicator of shock in children. (Correct Answer)
B. Mottling of extremities is an early sign of shock.
C. Confusion and stupor are early signs of shock.
D. Respiratory rate is a more sensitive indicator of shock than heart rate.

Explanation: ***Tachycardia is a sensitive indicator of shock in children.*** - **Tachycardia** is often the first and most reliable sign of **compensated shock** in children, as their cardiovascular system initially maintains cardiac output by increasing heart rate. - Children have a remarkable ability to compensate for significant fluid loss, and an elevated heart rate helps maintain **perfusion** before blood pressure drops. *Mottling of extremities is an early sign of shock.* - **Mottling** of extremities is typically a sign of **decompensated shock** and indicates significant vasoconstriction and poor tissue perfusion. - It is a **late sign** that suggests the child's compensatory mechanisms are failing. *Confusion and stupor are early signs of shock.* - **Altered mental status**, such as confusion or stupor, usually indicates **severe shock** and reduced cerebral perfusion. - These are generally **late signs** of shock, appearing after initial compensatory mechanisms have failed. *Respiratory rate is a more sensitive indicator of shock than heart rate.* - While **tachypnea** can be present in shock due to metabolic acidosis or compensatory mechanisms, **tachycardia** is a more consistently sensitive and earlier indicator of circulatory compromise. - Respiratory changes can also be influenced by other factors like pain, fever, or respiratory illness, making heart rate a more specific initial marker for shock.

Question 112: At what rate should dopamine be administered for inotropic support in a severely dehydrated child?

A. 0.1-0.5 microgram/kg/min
B. 1-5 microgram/kg/min (Correct Answer)
C. 1-5 mg/kg/min
D. 10-15 mg/kg/min

Explanation: ***1-5 microgram/kg/min*** - This dosage range of **dopamine** primarily targets **beta-1 adrenergic receptors**, leading to **increased myocardial contractility** (inotropic effect) and improved cardiac output. - It is appropriate for managing **hypotension** and poor perfusion in a severely dehydrated child after initial **fluid resuscitation** has been attempted but was insufficient. *0.1-0.5 microgram/kg/min* - This very low dose range of dopamine primarily stimulates **dopaminergic receptors** in the renal and mesenteric vascular beds. - Its main effect is **vasodilation** in these areas, which increases blood flow to the kidneys and gut, but it provides minimal to no **inotropic support**. *1-5 mg/kg/min* - This dosage is significantly too high, as it is in milligrams rather than micrograms. - Administering dopamine at this rate would lead to severe **toxicity**, including profound **tachycardia**, ventricular arrhythmias, and extreme **vasoconstriction**. *10-15 mg/kg/min* - This dopamine dosage is also excessively high, again due to being in milligrams per minute rather than micrograms per minute. - Such a dose would be **lethal**, causing catastrophic cardiovascular collapse due to overwhelming **alpha-adrenergic stimulation** and severe arrhythmias.

Question 113: What is the maintenance fluid requirement in a 6 kg child ?

A. 240 ml/day
B. 600 ml/day (Correct Answer)
C. 300 ml/day
D. 1200 ml/day

Explanation: **600 ml/day** - The **Holliday-Segar formula** is used to calculate maintenance fluid requirements. For the first 10 kg of body weight, the requirement is 100 ml/kg/day. - For a 6 kg child, the calculation is 6 kg * 100 ml/kg/day = **600 ml/day**. *240 ml/day* - This value is significantly **lower** than the recommended maintenance fluid for a 6 kg child, which would lead to **dehydration**. - It does not align with the standard Holliday-Segar formula for this weight. *300 ml/day* - This amount is **insufficient** for a 6 kg child's daily maintenance fluid needs and would risk **hypovolemia**. - It represents roughly half of the calculated requirement based on standard pediatric guidelines. *1200 ml/day* - This volume is significantly **higher** than the maintenance fluid requirement for a 6 kg child and could lead to **fluid overload** and hyponatremia. - This calculation might be appropriate for a much heavier child or in situations of increased fluid loss.

Question 114: 2 months old child having birth weight 2kg, with poor feeding, very sleepy and wheezing. The diagnosis is?

A. Very severe disease (Correct Answer)
B. No evidence of pneumonia
C. Severe respiratory infection
D. No diagnosis

Explanation: ***Very severe disease*** - According to **WHO/IMNCI (Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness) classification** for young infants (0-2 months), the presence of **danger signs** automatically classifies the condition as "Very severe disease" - This infant presents with two critical danger signs: **poor feeding** and **lethargy (very sleepy)**, along with respiratory symptoms (wheezing) - In young infants, any danger sign (poor feeding, lethargic/unconscious, convulsions, severe chest indrawing, central cyanosis) requires immediate classification as "Very severe disease" and **urgent referral** to higher center - This is a specific diagnostic classification used in pediatric emergency protocols, not a general term *Severe respiratory infection* - While the child has respiratory symptoms (wheezing), this classification would only be appropriate if respiratory distress was present **without danger signs** - The presence of danger signs (poor feeding, lethargy) escalates the classification to "Very severe disease" in the WHO/IMNCI protocol - In young infants (0-2 months), the classification system prioritizes danger signs over organ-specific diagnoses *No evidence of pneumonia* - This is incorrect as the infant clearly presents with respiratory symptoms (wheezing) and systemic signs of illness - The presence of wheezing, poor feeding, and lethargy indicates serious illness requiring urgent evaluation and treatment - This option contradicts the clinical presentation *No diagnosis* - This is incorrect as the WHO/IMNCI classification provides a clear diagnostic framework - The presence of danger signs in a young infant mandates classification as "Very severe disease" - A working diagnosis is essential for guiding appropriate management and urgent referral

Question 115: What is the recommended dosage of intravenous fluid for a 2-year-old child with severe dehydration due to diarrhoea for initial rapid rehydration?

A. 50 ml/Kg in 3 hours
B. 100 ml/Kg in 3 hours (Correct Answer)
C. 75 ml/Kg in 3 hours
D. 80 ml/Kg in 3 hours

Explanation: ***100 ml/Kg in 3 hours*** - For **severe dehydration** in children aged 12 months or older, the WHO Plan C recommends administering **100 mL/kg** intravenously over 3 hours for rapid rehydration. - This volume is typically given as **30 mL/kg in the first 30 minutes**, followed by **70 mL/kg over the next 2.5 hours**, to quickly restore circulating volume and perfusion. - This aggressive approach addresses the severe fluid deficit and helps prevent hypovolemic shock. *50 ml/Kg in 3 hours* - This volume is **insufficient** for initial rapid rehydration in a child with severe dehydration. - Administering only 50 mL/kg (half the recommended dose) may not adequately correct the significant fluid deficit and could lead to **persistent hypovolemia and inadequate tissue perfusion**. *75 ml/Kg in 3 hours* - This volume is **less than the WHO recommended dose** for severe dehydration (Plan C) in children aged 12 months or older. - It might not fully address the fluid deficit, potentially delaying recovery or risking inadequate rehydration in a critical situation where rapid restoration of circulating volume is essential. *80 ml/Kg in 3 hours* - This volume is also **suboptimal for severe dehydration**, which requires the full 100 mL/kg as per WHO guidelines for adequate fluid resuscitation. - Using 80 mL/kg (20% less than recommended) could be inadequate to correct the profound fluid losses seen in severe dehydration, especially within the critical initial rehydration phase.

Question 116: What is the recommended CPR ratio for infants when performed by 2 rescuers?

A. 15 : 2 (Correct Answer)
B. 30 : 2
C. 1 : 3
D. 1 : 5

Explanation: ***15 : 2*** - For **infants and children**, when there are **two or more rescuers**, the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio is **15 compressions to 2 breaths**. - This ratio provides a better balance between compressions and ventilations to optimize outcomes in pediatric cardiac arrest. *30 : 2* - The **30:2 ratio** is primarily recommended for **adult CPR**, or for **single rescuers** performing CPR on infants and children. - Using this ratio for two-rescuer infant CPR would likely lead to inadequate ventilation and potentially worse outcomes. *1 : 3* - A 1:3 ratio (1 compression to 3 breaths) is not a standard recommended ratio for CPR in any age group based on current guidelines. - This ratio would significantly prioritize ventilations over chest compressions, which is not ideal for maintaining circulation. *1 : 5* - A 1:5 ratio (1 compression to 5 breaths) is not a standard recommended ratio for CPR in any age group. - This ratio heavily emphasizes ventilations and would result in insufficient chest compressions, which are crucial for blood flow.

Question 117: What is the recommended initial dose of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) for a child with polytrauma?

A. 10 ml/kg (Correct Answer)
B. 20 ml/kg
C. 30 ml/kg
D. 40 ml/kg

Explanation: ***10 ml/kg*** - This is the standard initial dose for **packed red blood cells (PRBCs)** in pediatric trauma patients. - This dose is generally expected to raise the **hemoglobin** by approximately 2-3 g/dL. *20 ml/kg* - This dose is typically used for **intravenous fluid resuscitation** with crystalloids, not for PRBCs. - Administering 20 ml/kg of PRBCs initially would be an **overdose** and potentially harmful. *30 ml/kg* - This dose is significantly higher than the recommended initial bolus for PRBCs in children. - It could lead to **fluid overload** and other transfusion-related complications. *40 ml/kg* - This dose is excessive and not recommended for initial PRBC transfusion in pediatric trauma. - Such a large volume greatly increases the risk of **transfusion reactions** and hemodynamic instability.

Question 118: Most common cause of epistaxis in a 3-year-old child is:

A. Foreign body (Correct Answer)
B. Nasal polyp
C. Atrophic rhinitis
D. Upper respiratory catarrh

Explanation: ***Foreign body*** - Young children, especially around 3 years old, are prone to inserting **foreign bodies** into their nostrils. - This is one of the most important causes of **epistaxis** in this age group, particularly when unilateral or recurrent. - Can mechanically irritate and traumatize the nasal mucosa leading to bleeding. *Upper respiratory catarrh* - **Upper respiratory infections** (common cold) are actually a very frequent cause of epistaxis in children. - However, the bleeding is usually mild and self-limiting, caused by **friable, inflamed nasal mucosa**. - Among the given options and considering clinically significant epistaxis requiring evaluation, foreign body is the more important diagnosis to consider. *Nasal polyp* - **Nasal polyps** are relatively uncommon in young children and are not a frequent cause of epistaxis in this age group. - When they do occur, they are often associated with conditions like **cystic fibrosis** or chronic sinusitis. *Atrophic rhinitis* - **Atrophic rhinitis** is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by **atrophy of the nasal mucosa** and turbinates. - It is predominantly seen in adults, not typically in a 3-year-old child.

Question 119: A 2-year-old male boy presenting with sudden severe dyspnea, what is the most common cause?

A. Foreign body (Correct Answer)
B. Acute severe asthma
C. Bronchiolitis
D. Anaphylaxis

Explanation: ***Foreign body aspiration*** - **Sudden onset** of severe dyspnea in a 2-year-old is highly suspicious for foreign body aspiration - Peak age group is **6 months to 3 years** when children explore objects by mouth - Classic triad: **sudden onset choking, coughing, and wheezing** - May present with unilateral wheeze, decreased breath sounds, or respiratory distress - Most common cause of sudden severe dyspnea in this age group *Bronchiolitis* - Typically presents with **gradual onset** over 2-3 days - Preceded by **prodromal upper respiratory symptoms** (rhinorrhea, cough, low-grade fever) - Peak incidence in **infants <1 year** (especially 3-6 months) - Would not cause sudden severe dyspnea without preceding symptoms *Acute severe asthma* - Can cause sudden severe dyspnea but less common in children <3 years - Usually has **history of previous wheezing episodes** or atopy - Often triggered by viral infection or allergen exposure - Bilateral wheezing with prolonged expiration *Anaphylaxis* - Causes sudden severe respiratory distress but accompanied by **systemic features** - Associated symptoms: urticaria, angioedema, hypotension, GI symptoms - Requires history of **allergen exposure** (food, drug, insect sting) - Would present with stridor (upper airway edema) rather than isolated dyspnea

Question 120: What is the most important prognostic factor in congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

A. Gestational age at birth
B. Pulmonary hypertension
C. Degree of pulmonary hypoplasia (Correct Answer)
D. Timing of surgical repair

Explanation: ***Degree of pulmonary hypoplasia*** - **Pulmonary hypoplasia** is the primary determinant of mortality and morbidity in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) because it directly impacts lung function and gas exchange. - The reduced lung volume and abnormal lung development lead to insufficient oxygenation and ventilation, which are critical for survival. *Pulmonary hypertension* - **Pulmonary hypertension** is a significant complication of CDH, but it is often a *consequence* of the underlying pulmonary hypoplasia and abnormal pulmonary vascular development. - While it contributes to morbidity and mortality, the *severity of the underlying hypoplasia* is what sets the stage for the development and intractability of pulmonary hypertension. *Gestational age at birth* - While generally lower gestational age is associated with poorer outcomes, in CDH, the **intrinsic lung pathology (hypoplasia)** is a more crucial prognostic factor than gestational age alone. - A term infant with severe pulmonary hypoplasia due to CDH often has a worse prognosis than a slightly premature infant with less severe hypoplasia. *Timing of surgical repair* - The timing of surgical repair is important for stabilizing the infant and preventing further herniation, but it directly addresses the anatomical defect, not the **underlying lung hypoplasia**. - Surgical repair should occur once the infant is clinically stable, and delaying it does not necessarily worsen the prognosis if the lung hypoplasia is mild or moderate. The primary limiting factor remains the lung development.

Practice by Chapter

Respiratory Failure

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Shock

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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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Mechanical Ventilation in Children

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Sedation and Analgesia

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Status Epilepticus

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Diabetic Ketoacidosis

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Pediatric Trauma

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Poisoning and Toxidromes

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Near-Drowning

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Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

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