Airway
What makes an infant’s airway more prone to obstruction compared to an adult’s?
Infants have proportionally larger tongues and smaller oral cavities, which can easily block the airway.
This respiratory illness is caused by a bacterium that releases toxins that directly attack the epithelial cell cilia in the respiratory tract.
What is Pertusis
What test is most commonly used to diagnose RSV in infants?
A nasal swab for RSV antigen or PCR testing.
What do wheezes indicate when heard in a child’s lungs?
Narrowing of the airways, often caused by asthma or bronchiolitis. (lower airway/lungs)
What is the most common chronic respiratory condition in children?
Asthma.
Where is the narrowest part of a child’s airway located?
At the cricoid cartilage (below the vocal cords), unlike adults whose narrowest point is at the vocal cords.
What is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in infants?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
What does a pulse oximeter measure?
The percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood.
What do crackles (rales) usually indicate in a pediatric patient?
Fluid in the small airways or alveoli, commonly seen with pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
What genetic disorder causes thick, sticky mucus that affects the lungs and digestive system?
Cystic Fibrosis.
Why does airway edema affect infants and children more severely than adults?
Because their airways are smaller in diameter, so even slight swelling drastically increases resistance and decreases airflow.
What classic symptom is associated with croup?
A “barking” cough and inspiratory stridor caused by upper airway inflammation.
What imaging test is commonly ordered to evaluate suspected pneumonia?
A chest X-ray.
What is stridor, and what does it suggest?
A high-pitched sound heard on inspiration indicating upper airway obstruction, such as with croup or foreign body.
What medication is commonly used as a rescue treatment for acute asthma symptoms?
Albuterol (a short-acting beta-agonist).
How does the shape of a child’s epiglottis differ from an adult’s, and why is this important?
A child’s epiglottis is longer, floppier, and more U-shaped, which can make visualization and airway management more difficult.
What nursing intervention is most important for a child with epiglottitis?
Do not attempt to visualize the throat; keep the child calm and prepare for possible airway emergency.
What does an arterial blood gas (ABG) test help evaluate in a child with respiratory distress?
The child’s oxygenation, ventilation, and acid–base balance.
What are diminished or absent breath sounds a sign of?
Decreased air movement, possibly due to pneumothorax, pleural effusion, or severe atelectasis.
What are early warning signs of an asthma exacerbation in children?
Increased coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and use of accessory muscles.
How do differences in tracheal position and airway length impact pediatric airway management?
Children’s tracheas are shorter and positioned more anterior and cephalad, increasing the risk of endotracheal tube dislodgment or mainstem intubation.
What are the hallmark signs of respiratory distress in a child?
Nasal flaring, retractions, grunting, tachypnea, and cyanosis.
What test helps assess lung function in children with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma?
Pulmonary function testing (PFTs) or spirometry.
What are coarse breath sounds, and when might you hear them?
Low-pitched, rattling sounds caused by mucus in the larger airways, often heard with bronchitis or cystic fibrosis.
Why is pancreatic enzyme replacement important for children with cystic fibrosis?
Because thick mucus blocks pancreatic ducts, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines.