A mother has called 911 because her 2-year-old daughter is fussy and not eating. When assessing the toddler, which one of the following is the best indication of her perfusion status?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Skin color and temperature are the best indications of perfusion status in a 2-year-old toddler. As the child has a limited ability to communicate, skin color and temperature can indicate if the child is experiencing hypoxia, shock or other related circulatory problems. Heart rate is important, but it can be easily influenced by agitation, crying, and activity. Palpated blood pressure is not always practical in toddlers. Auscultation of breath sounds is necessary for assessing respiratory status, but it is not a reliable indicator of perfusion status.

A Mother Has Called 911 Because Her 2-Year-Old Daughter Is