Question 1

The effects of a near-drowning victim inhaling water into the lungs include:
1) alveolar consolidation.
2) bronchospasm.
3) production of frothy, white secretions.
4) pleural effusion.

Accepted Answer

The pulmonary effects of a near-drowning victim inhaling water include, but are not limited to, alveolar consolidation, bronchospasm, and increased production of frothy, white secretions.

Question 2

What are complications associated with a near drowning in unclean, swampy water?
1) Pneumonia
2) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
3) Pulmonary fibrosis
4) Pulmonary hypertension

Accepted Answer

Because of bacteria and debris inhaled with unclean, swampy water, the victim is at risk for pneumonia or ARDS.

Question 3

The pulmonary function findings for a wet drowning victim would reveal:

Accepted Answer

The VC (vital capacity) will be reduced due to atelectasis. Near drowning results in restrictive pulmonary function test findings.

Question 4

According to the World Health Organization, where does drowning rank worldwide as a cause of unintentional death?

Accepted Answer

According to the WHO, drowning ranks third among the causes of unintentional deaths worldwide.

Question 5

What water temperature has been shown to be a favorable prognostic factor in near drowning?

Accepted Answer

The water temperature needs to range between 27° F and 70° F to increase the chance of surviving a near drowning.

Question 6

The initial chest radiograph appearance of a near-drowning victim may include:
1) normal lung fields.
2) atelectasis.
3) pulmonary edema.
4) pencil point sign.

Accepted Answer

It is possible for the initial chest radiograph to show normal lung fields. But if significant amounts of water were inhaled, the radiograph may show areas of atelectasis or pulmonary edema. These later changes may occur within the first 48 to 72 hours after the incident.

Question 7

Warming techniques for a cold-water near-drowning victim include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

It would be counterproductive to cool the extremities while warming the core of the cold-water near-drowning victim.

Question 8

A 10-year-old girl was rescued from a school swimming pool, where she was found unconscious, and transported to a nearby hospital, where her lungs were discovered to be dry. What could cause dry lungs in this near drowning?

Accepted Answer

Glottic spasms will prevent water from entering the trachea and lungs.

Question 9

After an extended time underwater, a near-drowning victim will most likely have:

Accepted Answer

The longer a victim is submerged, the more likely it is that he or she will be apneic.

Question 10

In comparing the pathologic changes to the lungs caused by fresh water versus salt water, which of the following can be stated?

Accepted Answer

The pathologic changes and injury to the lungs from fresh water and salt water near drownings are identical.

Question 11

A near-drowning victim in cardiac arrest has been placed in an ambulance. During transport, the goals of the paramedics should be to: 1) contact the victim's insurance carrier. 2) perform high-quality CPR. 3) conserve the victim's body heat. 4) administer FIO₂1.0.

Accepted Answer

It is critically important to provide high-quality CPR efforts, administer 100% oxygen, and conserve the victim's body heat during transport.

Question 12

What is the upper time limit that a cold-water near-drowning victim can be submerged and survive?

Accepted Answer

Sixty minutes appears to be the limit that a near-drowning victim can remain submerged in cold water and survive.

Question 13

In the United States, what percentage of pediatric drowning victims are male?

Accepted Answer

According to the CDC, nearly 80% of pediatric drowning victims are male.

Question 14

Which of the following would be routinely ordered for the majority of wet-drowning victims?
1) Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
2) Hemodialysis
3) Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
4) Mechanical ventilation

Accepted Answer

Because of the lung changes that occur when water is inhaled, mechanical ventilation with PEEP will be needed by most patients.

Question 15

Hospital management of near-drowning victims includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Venous blood gas values are not typically needed in the management of a near-drowning victim.

Question 16

Favorable prognostic factors in clean water near-drowning include:
1) greater effort to reach the surface.
2) alcohol in the victim.
3) colder water.
4) younger age.

Accepted Answer

A younger age and colder water temperature increase the likelihood of surviving a near-drowning incident.

Question 17

Which of the following breath sounds would be expected during auscultation of a wet-drowning victim?
1) Bronchovesicular
2) Vesicular
3) Crackles
4) Friction rub

Accepted Answer

Crackles are likely to be heard over the lung fields of a wet-drowning victim because of the water within the airways and lungs.

Quiz 42: Near Drowning/Wet Drowning

The effects of a near-drowning victim inhaling water into the lungs include: 1) alveolar consolidation. 2) bronchospasm. 3) production of frothy, white secretions. 4) pleural effusion.

What are complications associated with a near drowning in unclean, swampy water? 1) Pneumonia 2) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) 3) Pulmonary fibrosis 4) Pulmonary hypertension

The pulmonary function findings for a wet drowning victim would reveal:

According to the World Health Organization, where does drowning rank worldwide as a cause of unintentional death?

What water temperature has been shown to be a favorable prognostic factor in near drowning?

The initial chest radiograph appearance of a near-drowning victim may include: 1) normal lung fields. 2) atelectasis. 3) pulmonary edema. 4) pencil point sign.

Warming techniques for a cold-water near-drowning victim include all of the following EXCEPT:

A 10-year-old girl was rescued from a school swimming pool, where she was found unconscious, and transported to a nearby hospital, where her lungs were discovered to be dry. What could cause dry lungs in this near drowning?

After an extended time underwater, a near-drowning victim will most likely have:

In comparing the pathologic changes to the lungs caused by fresh water versus salt water, which of the following can be stated?

A near-drowning victim in cardiac arrest has been placed in an ambulance. During transport, the goals of the paramedics should be to: 1) contact the victim's insurance carrier. 2) perform high-quality CPR. 3) conserve the victim's body heat. 4) administer FIO2 1.0.

What is the upper time limit that a cold-water near-drowning victim can be submerged and survive?

In the United States, what percentage of pediatric drowning victims are male?

Which of the following would be routinely ordered for the majority of wet-drowning victims? 1) Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) 2) Hemodialysis 3) Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) 4) Mechanical ventilation

Hospital management of near-drowning victims includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Favorable prognostic factors in clean water near-drowning include: 1) greater effort to reach the surface. 2) alcohol in the victim. 3) colder water. 4) younger age.

Which of the following breath sounds would be expected during auscultation of a wet-drowning victim? 1) Bronchovesicular 2) Vesicular 3) Crackles 4) Friction rub

A near-drowning victim in cardiac arrest has been placed in an ambulance. During transport, the goals of the paramedics should be to: 1) contact the victim's insurance carrier. 2) perform high-quality CPR. 3) conserve the victim's body heat. 4) administer FIO₂1.0.