A 10-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department Due

question 45

Multiple Choice

A 10-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department due to respiratory distress.  Over the past 6 hours, rapid, noisy breathing has progressively developed.  Temperature is 40.1 C (104.2 F) , blood pressure is 105/75 mm Hg, pulse is 120/min, and respirations are 32/min.  Examination shows inspiratory stridor and supraclavicular retractions.  Lateral neck x-ray is shown in the exhibit. 
The patient is admitted to the hospital, and blood cultures are obtained.  If blood cultures are positive, which of the following would most likely be seen on Gram stain?

• A)Gram-negative cocci in pairs
• B)Gram-negative coccobacilli
• C)Gram-negative rods in chains
• D)Gram-positive cocci in chains
• E)Gram-positive cocci in clusters

---

Definitions:

2,6-heptanedione

An organic compound characterized by a seven-carbon chain with ketone groups located at the second and sixth carbons.

Crossed Aldol Reaction

An aldol reaction where two different aldehydes or ketones are combined in the presence of a base or acid to produce a β-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone.

Self-aldol Condensation

A reaction where an aldehyde or ketone undergoes condensation with itself in the presence of a base to form a β-hydroxycarbonyl compound (an aldol) or a dehydrated version thereof.

Predict Outcome

The process of forecasting or determining the probable results or consequences of a chemical reaction or experiment.