A 2-year-old child comes to the emergency department with dehydration and hypovolemic shock. Which best explains why an intraosseous infusion is started?
A) It is less painful for small children.
B) Rapid venous access is not possible.
C) Antibiotics must be started immediately.
D) Long-term central venous access is not possible.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In situations in which rapid establishment of systemic access is vital and venous access is hampered, such as peripheral circulatory collapse and hypovolemic shock, intraosseous infusion provides a rapid, safe, lifesaving alternative. The procedure is painful, and local anesthetics and systemic analgesics are given. Antibiotics could be given when vascular access is obtained. Long-term central venous access is time-consuming, and intraosseous infusion is used in an emergency situation.

A 2-Year-Old Child Comes to the Emergency Department with Dehydration