Emergencies: drowning: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Emergencies: drowning

Sample item

After rescue from a pond, a child is apnoeic but has a pulse. Which is the priority in resuscitation of a drowning victim?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Start rescue breaths immediately and give oxygen

Hypoxia is the central problem in drowning, so airway opening and rescue breaths come first, followed by compressions if there is no pulse. Attempts to drain water from the lungs delay ventilation. Cervical spine injury is considered if there is a history of diving.

Option by option

  • A. Begin chest compressions only

    Compressions alone ignore the hypoxic cause.

  • B. Compress the abdomen to remove water

    Abdominal thrusts delay ventilation and cause vomiting.

  • C. Start rescue breaths immediately and give oxygen (correct)

    Correct. Ventilation is the priority.

  • D. Hang the child upside down

    Inverting the child is not effective.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Start rescue breaths immediately and give oxygen. Hypoxia is the central problem in drowning, so airway opening and rescue breaths come first, followed by compressions if there is no pulse.

Why is "Begin chest compressions only" not the answer?

Compressions alone ignore the hypoxic cause.

Why is "Compress the abdomen to remove water" not the answer?

Abdominal thrusts delay ventilation and cause vomiting.

Why is "Hang the child upside down" not the answer?

Inverting the child is not effective.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Emergencies: drowning in Pediatrics. Attempts to drain water from the lungs delay ventilation. Cervical spine injury is considered if there is a history of diving.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Emergencies: drowning?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.