Special Patient Populations

5 free sample questions of the 17 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) evaluates a child from across the room before laying hands. Its three sides are:

   • A.Appearance, Work of breathing, Circulation to skin
   • B.Airway, Bleeding, Capillary refill
   • C.Age, Behavior, Color
   • D.Activity, Breathing, Cyanosis
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: A. Appearance, Work of breathing, Circulation to skin

   PAT: Appearance (TICLS — tone, interactiveness, consolability, look/gaze, speech/cry), Work of breathing (abnormal sounds, retractions, positioning, nasal flaring), Circulation to skin (pallor, mottling, cyanosis). Done before touching.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Special Patient Populations > Pediatrics (EMT: F,F)

2. Question 2

   A 'sick' appearance on the PAT (poor tone, decreased interaction, weak cry, abnormal gaze) indicates:

   • A.Normal child
   • B.Significant illness — even before vital signs are obtained, this child needs prompt assessment, support, and transport
   • C.Hunger
   • D.A sleeping child only
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Significant illness — even before vital signs are obtained, this child needs prompt assessment, support, and transport

   Abnormal appearance on PAT signals significant illness — neurologic, perfusion, or oxygenation problems. Move quickly to hands-on assessment, support ABCs, expedite transport.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Special Patient Populations > Pediatrics (EMT: F,F)

3. Question 3

   Pediatric cardiac arrest is most often:

   • A.Primary cardiac (coronary disease)
   • B.Secondary to respiratory failure or shock — hypoxia is the dominant cause; early ventilation often beats post-arrest interventions
   • C.Toxin-mediated only
   • D.Trauma-related only
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Secondary to respiratory failure or shock — hypoxia is the dominant cause; early ventilation often beats post-arrest interventions

   Pediatric arrests are usually secondary to respiratory failure (asthma, drowning, FBAO, infection) or shock. Aggressive support of airway and oxygenation BEFORE arrest often prevents arrest entirely.

   Source: Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC — Pediatric BLS — Recognition of impending arrest

4. Question 4

   Pediatric BLS compression-to-ventilation ratio: single rescuer vs two-rescuer:

   • A.Both are 30:2
   • B.Single rescuer 30:2; two-rescuer 15:2
   • C.Both are 15:2
   • D.Single rescuer 15:2; two-rescuer 30:2
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Single rescuer 30:2; two-rescuer 15:2

   Pediatric CPR: single rescuer 30:2 (same as adult, for memory and practicality); two-rescuer 15:2 (more ventilation for respiratory-origin arrests). Compress at 100–120/min, depth ⅓ AP chest (~1.5 in infant, ~2 in child).

   Source: Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC — Pediatric BLS — Compression-to-ventilation ratio

5. Question 5

   A newborn requiring resuscitation (no cry, poor tone, gasping or apneic at birth) should receive:

   • A.Standard adult CPR rate
   • B.Dry, warm, stimulate, suction if needed, position airway. If still apneic or HR <100: positive-pressure ventilation. If HR <60 despite adequate PPV: begin compressions at 3:1 ratio with PPV (90 compressions + 30 breaths/min)
   • C.Cold-water immersion to stimulate breathing
   • D.Aspirin
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Dry, warm, stimulate, suction if needed, position airway. If still apneic or HR <100: positive-pressure ventilation. If HR <60 despite adequate PPV: begin compressions at 3:1 ratio with PPV (90 compressions + 30 breaths/min)

   Newborn resuscitation: dry/warm/stimulate, suction PRN, position. PPV if apneic/HR <100. Compressions at HR <60 despite adequate PPV — 3:1 ratio with PPV (90 comp + 30 breaths = 120 events/min). Most newborns respond to drying and stimulation.

   Source: Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC — Neonatal Resuscitation — basic algorithm

12 more Special Patient Populations questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

OnScene is an independent study aid based on the NREMT EMT Examination Specifications (2023 Practice Analysis), the National EMS Education Standards 2021, the National EMS Scope of Practice Model 2019, and the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the NREMT, NHTSA, the American Heart Association, or any other organization.