A child has a chronic, nonproductive cough and diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase of respiration. This suggests which respiratory condition?
Foreign body in the trachea.
Bronchiolitis.
Asthma.
Pneumonia.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Asthma.
Choice A rationale:
A foreign body in the trachea can cause acute respiratory distress and a sudden cough, but it is unlikely to cause chronic nonproductive cough and diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase of respiration. The symptoms in the scenario are more suggestive of a chronic condition.
Choice B rationale:
Bronchiolitis primarily affects infants and young children, causing symptoms such as fever, rhinorrhea, and wheezing. While wheezing can be present, the diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase described in the scenario is more characteristic of asthma.
Choice C rationale:
Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to episodes of bronchoconstriction and increased airway reactivity. The chronic, nonproductive cough and diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase are classic signs of asthma. Expiratory phase wheezing occurs due to the narrowing of the smaller airways during expiration.
Choice D rationale:
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue and can cause productive cough, fever, and crackles on auscultation. While wheezing might occur in pneumonia due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, it's not the most likely cause of the symptoms described in the scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Epiglottitis.
Choice A rationale:
Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) is a viral infection commonly known as "croup." While it can cause airway inflammation and respiratory distress, it is usually not considered a medical emergency. LTB is characterized by barking cough, stridor, and hoarseness. It typically responds well to supportive care, humidity, and sometimes oral corticosteroids.
Choice B rationale:
Spasmodic croup is another type of viral croup, often triggered by allergies or irritants. It is characterized by sudden onset of symptoms, usually at night, including stridor and a barking cough. While it can be distressing, it is generally not considered a medical emergency. It usually responds to humidity and sometimes oral corticosteroids.
Choice C rationale:
Laryngitis involves inflammation of the larynx and is often caused by viral infections or excessive voice use. While it can lead to hoarseness and voice changes, it does not typically cause severe respiratory distress and is not considered a medical emergency. Resting the voice and staying hydrated are common interventions.
Choice D rationale:
Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes inflammation of the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the windpipe during swallowing. It can rapidly progress to airway obstruction and respiratory failure. Children with epiglottitis often assume a "tripod" position, leaning forward to maintain an open airway. Immediate medical intervention, including securing the airway and administering antibiotics, is crucial.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. It has a harsh, barky cough.
Choice A rationale:
Spasmodic croup is characterized by sudden-onset symptoms, including a barking cough, but it is not typically associated with a high fever. The barky cough is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the upper airways, leading to a distinct sound when the child coughs.
Choice B rationale:
A harsh, barky cough is a hallmark symptom of spasmodic croup. It is caused by the swelling of the vocal cords and the upper airway, resulting in the characteristic sound. This type of croup is often triggered by viral infections and is usually not bacterial in nature.
Choice C rationale:
Spasmodic croup is usually of viral origin rather than bacterial. Bacterial infections may lead to other respiratory conditions, but they are not a distinguishing feature of spasmodic croup.
Choice D rationale:
Wheezing is not a typical manifestation of spasmodic croup. Wheezing is often associated with lower airway conditions such as asthma, while croup primarily affects the upper airways and vocal cords, leading to the barking cough.
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