Quick-ten quiz

Published: 16 February 2010

Answers will appear in the next issue.

1. Which of the following findings in a child with a head injury is of LEAST clinical significance?
a) a single episode of vomiting a short time after the injury
b) amnesia concerning the event
c) a history of loss of consciousness for several minutes after the injury
d) history of a high-speed injury.

2. Which of the following IS NOT an indicator of potentially serious asthma? 
a) the patient has been ventilated on two previous admissions to the hospital
b) the patient is not able to talk in complete sentences
c) the patient has an audible wheeze
d) the patient has a cough.

3. Recognition of the unwell child is crucial. The following are all signs and symptoms of respiratory distress in children EXCEPT:
a) nasal flaring
b) intercostal and sternal recession
c) lying supine
d) adopting an upright position.

4. Which of the following would make you think that a burn/scald injury in a child is ACCIDENTAL rather than a result of abuse?
a) the scald or burn has a ‘tide mark’ with well-delineated borders
b) the pattern of the scald or burn does not fit with the history given
c) the burn is patterned or shaped
d) the burn is superficial with evidence of splash marks.

5. In terms of peak expiratory flow readings, the British Thoracic Society defines mild asthma as being present when peak flow readings are:
a) greater than 75% of predicted
b) greater than 50% of predicted
c) greater than 33% of predicted.

6. Which of the following injuries would give you LEAST concern about the possibility of it being a result of child abuse?
a) a buckle fracture of the distal radius in a six year old
b) a torn frenulum in a one year old
c) a fractured skull in a baby of three months
d) a spiral fracture of the humerus in a three year old.

7. Which of the following is an acceptable means to estimate the weight of a child when it is not possible to formally weigh them?
a) (age + 2) x 4 = weight in kilograms
b) (age + 2) x 4 = weight in pounds
c) (age + 4) x 2 = weight in kilograms

8. The NICE (2007) revised head injury guidelines state that all of the following would be indications for CT of the brain in a child EXCEPT:
a) witnessed loss of consciousness of more than five minutes duration
b) a bruise, swelling or laceration larger than 5cm to the head of an infant less than 12 months old
c) diplopia and dizziness at any time since the injury
d) anterograde amnesia of more than five minutes duration.

9. The majority of cardiac arrests in children occur secondary to:
a) primary heart disease
b) endocrine imbalance
c) hypovolaemia
d) respiratory arrest.

10. Where, in an infant, should a peripheral pulse be palpated?
a) radial artery
b) tibial artery
c) femoral artery
d) brachial artery.