PFCCS Chapter 1 Practice Test 2026 | Assessment of
the Critically Ill Child | Verified Answers
1. In a scenario where a pediatric team is managing a critically ill child, how
might poor communication impact the outcome of the treatment?
It would improve the team's efficiency.
It could lead to delays in treatment and mismanagement of the
child's condition.
It would have no effect on the treatment outcome.
It would ensure all team members are informed.
2. Describe how asymmetrical chest movement can indicate a serious
underlying condition in infants.
Asymmetrical chest movement indicates that the infant is healthy.
Asymmetrical chest movement is always a sign of a respiratory
infection.
Asymmetrical chest movement may suggest the presence of a lung
issue, such as a pneumothorax or pleural effusion, which can
compromise breathing.
Asymmetrical chest movement is unrelated to respiratory conditions.
3. Which of the following is not a cause of bradypnea?
Heart failure
Hypothermia
Alcohol
Sleeping
, Drugs
4. According to Poiseuille's law, if a patient's airway diameter decreases by half
during an asthma attack, then the airway resistance:
increases 8-fold
increases 16-fold
doubles
decreases by half
5. Choose the appropriate tidal volume for a 40 lb child.
Vt 90 mLs
Vt 200 mLs
Vt 215 mLs
Vt 146 mLs
6. In a scenario where a 3-month-old infant shows decreased reactivity and
increased respiratory distress, how should the healthcare team prioritize their
interventions based on the PEWS assessment?
The healthcare team should focus on administering oral medications
first.
The healthcare team should wait for the pediatrician's arrival before
taking any action.
The healthcare team should prioritize immediate respiratory
support and further evaluation of neurological status.
The healthcare team should conduct a full physical examination
before addressing respiratory issues.
, 7. Which of the following anatomical features predisposes a 2 month old, full-
term with a lower respiratory tract infx to severe respiratory distress?
The nerves to the diaphragm are not fully formed
Obligatory mouth breathing
Proportionally smaller bronchial lumen which reduces airflow to the
alveoli
Low ribcage compliance which reduces lung expansion
8. In a scenario where a 3-month-old infant presents with respiratory distress,
what anatomical consideration should guide the initial management
strategies?
The need to secure the airway due to narrower airways.
The assumption that infants can tolerate higher levels of respiratory
distress.
The ability to use adult-sized equipment for ventilation.
The expectation that infants will respond similarly to adults in
respiratory emergencies.
9. Describe how the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) can assist in
determining the need for additional therapeutic interventions in a critically ill
infant.
PEWS is used solely for medication dosing in infants.
PEWS is irrelevant in emergency situations.
PEWS focuses only on the infant's age and weight.
PEWS helps identify deteriorating conditions by assessing vital signs
and symptoms, guiding timely interventions.
the Critically Ill Child | Verified Answers
1. In a scenario where a pediatric team is managing a critically ill child, how
might poor communication impact the outcome of the treatment?
It would improve the team's efficiency.
It could lead to delays in treatment and mismanagement of the
child's condition.
It would have no effect on the treatment outcome.
It would ensure all team members are informed.
2. Describe how asymmetrical chest movement can indicate a serious
underlying condition in infants.
Asymmetrical chest movement indicates that the infant is healthy.
Asymmetrical chest movement is always a sign of a respiratory
infection.
Asymmetrical chest movement may suggest the presence of a lung
issue, such as a pneumothorax or pleural effusion, which can
compromise breathing.
Asymmetrical chest movement is unrelated to respiratory conditions.
3. Which of the following is not a cause of bradypnea?
Heart failure
Hypothermia
Alcohol
Sleeping
, Drugs
4. According to Poiseuille's law, if a patient's airway diameter decreases by half
during an asthma attack, then the airway resistance:
increases 8-fold
increases 16-fold
doubles
decreases by half
5. Choose the appropriate tidal volume for a 40 lb child.
Vt 90 mLs
Vt 200 mLs
Vt 215 mLs
Vt 146 mLs
6. In a scenario where a 3-month-old infant shows decreased reactivity and
increased respiratory distress, how should the healthcare team prioritize their
interventions based on the PEWS assessment?
The healthcare team should focus on administering oral medications
first.
The healthcare team should wait for the pediatrician's arrival before
taking any action.
The healthcare team should prioritize immediate respiratory
support and further evaluation of neurological status.
The healthcare team should conduct a full physical examination
before addressing respiratory issues.
, 7. Which of the following anatomical features predisposes a 2 month old, full-
term with a lower respiratory tract infx to severe respiratory distress?
The nerves to the diaphragm are not fully formed
Obligatory mouth breathing
Proportionally smaller bronchial lumen which reduces airflow to the
alveoli
Low ribcage compliance which reduces lung expansion
8. In a scenario where a 3-month-old infant presents with respiratory distress,
what anatomical consideration should guide the initial management
strategies?
The need to secure the airway due to narrower airways.
The assumption that infants can tolerate higher levels of respiratory
distress.
The ability to use adult-sized equipment for ventilation.
The expectation that infants will respond similarly to adults in
respiratory emergencies.
9. Describe how the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) can assist in
determining the need for additional therapeutic interventions in a critically ill
infant.
PEWS is used solely for medication dosing in infants.
PEWS is irrelevant in emergency situations.
PEWS focuses only on the infant's age and weight.
PEWS helps identify deteriorating conditions by assessing vital signs
and symptoms, guiding timely interventions.
