Recognizing Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards

A 3-year-old presents with a barky cough, inspiratory stridor at rest, and mild retractions. Which condition does this presentation most suggest?

Answer: Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Barky cough with inspiratory stridor and mild retractions at rest is the classic presentation of croup.

Which finding best distinguishes upper airway obstruction from lower airway obstruction in a pediatric patient?

Answer: Inspiratory stridor versus expiratory wheezing

Inspiratory stridor indicates upper airway obstruction, while expiratory wheezing indicates lower airway obstruction.

A 6-week-old infant has a respiratory rate of 68/min, mild subcostal retractions, and SpO2 of 93% on room air. How should you classify this infant's respiratory status?

Answer: Respiratory distress

Tachypnea, retractions, and SpO2 of 93% indicate respiratory distress requiring prompt intervention.

When assessing a child's work of breathing, which muscle group use indicates the most severe respiratory distress?

Answer: Suprasternal retractions

Suprasternal (tracheal tug) retractions indicate severe upper airway obstruction and significant increased work of breathing.

A 4-year-old with known asthma presents with diffuse expiratory wheezing, SpO2 95%, and is able to speak in full sentences. Which category best describes his respiratory status?

Answer: Respiratory distress

Wheezing with SpO2 of 95% and maintained speech indicates respiratory distress, not failure.

Which of the following is a sign of impending respiratory failure in a child with severe asthma?

Answer: Silent chest on auscultation

A silent chest in a patient with asthma indicates minimal air movement and is an ominous sign of impending respiratory failure.

A 2-year-old presents with sudden onset of coughing, unilateral decreased breath sounds, and mild stridor. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Foreign body aspiration

Sudden onset, unilateral decreased breath sounds, and stridor in a toddler strongly suggest foreign body aspiration.