Deck 44: Near Drowningwet Drowning

Question 1

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.

A)1, 3
B)2, 4
C)1, 2, 3
D)2, 3, 4

Answer 1

1, 2, 3

Question 2

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

A) Higher than 104°F
B) Between 98.6°F and 104°F
C) Between 70°F and 98°F
D) Between 27°F and 70°F

Answer 2

Between 27°F and 70°F

Question 3

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

A) tachypnea.
B) a normal respiratory rate.
C) bradypnea.
D) apnea.

Answer 3

apnea.

Question 4

In comparing the pathologic changes to the lungs caused by freshwater versus saltwater, which of the following can be stated?

A) Saltwater causes more damage.
B) Freshwater causes more damage.
C) Both cause identical pathologic changes.
D) Cold water of either type causes more damage than warm water of either type.

Question 5

In the United States, approximately how many unintentional drownings occur annually?

A) 1500
B) 2500
C) 3500
D) 4500

Question 6

Warming techniques for a cold-water near-drowning victim include:
1) cooling the extremities and warming the body core.
2) warming the inspired oxygen.
3) heated intravenous solutions.
4) heated lavage of the pericardial space.

A)1, 3
B)1, 2, 4
C)2, 3, 4
D)1, 2, 3

Question 7

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

A) It is the leading cause of unintentional death.
B) It is the second leading cause of unintentional death.
C) It is the third leading cause of unintentional death.
D) It ranks 23rd among the causes of unintentional death.

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?

A) Her glottis spasmed and prevented pool water from entering her lungs.
B) Chlorinated pool water is quickly absorbed across the alveolar-capillary membrane.
C) Her young age and the cool pool water prevented serious pulmonary injury.
D) She swallowed the water.

Question 9

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.

A)2
B)2, 3
C)2, 3, 4
D)1, 2, 4

Question 10

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)1
B)3
C)2, 4
D)1, 2, 3

Question 11

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

A) 10 minutes
B) 20 minutes
C) 40 minutes
D) 60 minutes

Question 12

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

A) increased IRV.
B) increased DLCO.
C) decreased VC.
D) increased TLC.

Question 13

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

A)1
B)3, 4
C)1, 2
D)1, 2, 3