skip to main content

Paediatric bradycardia from hypoxia — DipIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateResuscitationPaediatric bradycardia from hypoxiaDipIMC

A 2-year-old with respiratory failure has bradycardia at 50 bpm, poor perfusion and worsening drowsiness despite oxygen by mask. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: EProvide effective ventilation and start CPR if bradycardia persists with poor perfusion

Option E is correct because Paediatric bradycardia is commonly hypoxic, and ventilation is the key immediate intervention. Option D is less appropriate because oxygen may be supportive, but it does not address the defining time-critical problem first; option B is less appropriate because vascular access is useful, but it should not delay the immediate priority. Option A is less appropriate because it is plausible in a different scenario but suboptimal for the features described; option C is less appropriate because delay would increase clinical risk. Clinical pearl: in DipIMC-style questions, the best answer is the intervention that changes outcome earliest in the pre-hospital phase.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines