A 2-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department by His

question 189

Multiple Choice

A 2-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his babysitter due to noisy breathing.  The patient has had rhinorrhea, congestion, and a cough for 2 days.  The cough worsened last night when he developed a high-pitched noise during inspiration that worsens when he cries.  Earlier today, the patient was playing in the same room as his 6-year-old brother, who also has cold symptoms.  He has no chronic medical conditions.  The babysitter is unsure of the patient's immunization status.  Temperature is 38 C (100.4 F) , pulse is 140/min, and respirations are 44/min.  Pulse oximetry is 96% on room air.  On examination, the patient is alert with mild suprasternal retractions and a harsh, dry cough.  The pharynx is mildly erythematous without tonsillar enlargement or asymmetry.  The lungs are clear on auscultation.  Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

• A)Bacterial tracheitis
• B)Bronchiolitis
• C)Croup
• D)Epiglottitis
• E)Foreign body aspiration
• F)Laryngomalacia

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Definitions:

Hostility

Aggressive behavior or attitudes towards others, often stemming from anger or antagonism.

Central Route

A path of persuasion that involves careful and thoughtful consideration of the arguments presented.

Peripheral Route

A method of persuasion that relies on superficial cues rather than the substantive quality of the argument.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time.