a 12-year-old child at a swim meet grabs their chest and begins to make wheezing noises. after you obtain consent to provide care, the child’s parent informs you that the child has a history of asthma, but does not have an inhaler nearby. what care should you provide?
a 12-year-old child at a swim meet grabs their chest and begins to make wheezing noises. after you obtain consent to provide care, the child’s parent informs you that the child has a history of asthma, but does not have an inhaler nearby. what care should you provide?
Answer: In this scenario, where a 12-year-old child with a history of asthma experiences wheezing and does not have an inhaler nearby, the appropriate care to provide is to assist the child in managing their asthma symptoms. Here are the steps you should take:
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Reassure the Child: Stay calm and reassure the child that you are there to help them. Offer words of reassurance to help alleviate their anxiety and distress.
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Assist the Child into a Comfortable Position: Help the child sit upright in a comfortable position. This can help ease breathing and reduce wheezing.
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Encourage Slow, Deep Breaths: Instruct the child to take slow, deep breaths. This can help relax the airways and facilitate easier breathing. You can demonstrate the breathing technique to the child and encourage them to follow your lead.
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Stay with the Child: Provide continuous monitoring and support to the child. Observe their breathing and general condition closely, looking for any signs of improvement or deterioration.
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Activate EMS if Necessary: If the child’s condition does not improve or if they show signs of severe distress, such as extreme difficulty breathing or inability to speak, activate EMS (Emergency Medical Services) or instruct someone to call for professional medical help immediately.
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Seek an Inhaler or Medical Assistance: Inquire if there is an inhaler available nearby, either from the child’s parent or another responsible adult. If an inhaler is accessible, assist the child in using it according to their prescribed dosage. If an inhaler is not available or the child’s symptoms persist, professional medical assistance should be sought.
It is important to note that this response provides general guidance and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The child’s individual medical history and condition should always be taken into consideration. Additionally, follow the protocols and guidelines of your specific organization or jurisdiction when providing care in a professional capacity.
