Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care Flashcards

Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is most commonly caused by:

Answer: Parainfluenza virus

Parainfluenza virus (most commonly type 1) is the most frequent causative agent of croup, producing subglottic edema and the characteristic barking cough and stridor.

Racemic epinephrine nebulization is used in croup primarily to:

Answer: Cause mucosal vasoconstriction and reduce subglottic edema

Racemic epinephrine stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the subglottic mucosa, causing vasoconstriction and reducing edema to relieve upper airway obstruction in croup.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) most commonly causes which lower respiratory illness in infants?

Answer: Bronchiolitis

RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants, causing small airway inflammation, mucus plugging, air trapping, and wheezing.

The primary treatment for mild-to-moderate RSV bronchiolitis in infants is:

Answer: Supportive care: hydration, nasal suctioning, supplemental O2 as needed

Evidence supports supportive care for bronchiolitis; corticosteroids, routine bronchodilators, and antibiotics are not recommended for typical RSV bronchiolitis.

Epiglottitis in children presents with the classic triad of:

Answer: Drooling, dysphagia, and high fever with muffled voice

Epiglottitis classically presents with drooling, dysphagia, and a toxic-appearing child with a high fever and muffled (hot potato) voice due to supraglottic inflammation.

A normal respiratory rate for a 6-month-old infant is approximately:

Answer: 30–60 breaths/min

Infants normally breathe 30–60 times per minute; respiratory rates above 60 in an infant at rest suggest respiratory distress.