Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies For EMT!

Pediatric cardiac arrest often starts with respiratory failure or respiratory arrest. This means that the majority of cases involving children experiencing cardiac arrest initially have difficulty breathing or stop breathing altogether. This is a crucial point to understand in pediatric emergency situations as prompt recognition and intervention for respiratory distress can help prevent further deterioration and potentially save the child's life.

Epiglottitis is a condition where the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that covers the windpipe, becomes inflamed and swollen. This inflammation can lead to a complete obstruction of the airway, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, the statement that epiglottitis is an immediate life threat due to possible complete airway obstruction is true.

Bronchiolitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchioles, which are the smallest airways in the lungs. It is commonly caused by a viral infection, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most common culprit. RSV is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system, especially in infants and young children. It causes swelling and mucus production in the bronchioles, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, the statement that bronchiolitis is caused by a viral infection, specifically RSV, is true.

When the respiratory reserve decreases, it means that the lungs' ability to handle increased oxygen demand is reduced. When there is an increased demand for oxygen, such as during physical exertion or illness, the risk of respiratory failure is higher because the lungs may not be able to meet the increased demand. Therefore, the statement that decrease in respiratory reserve plus increased oxygen demand leads to an increased risk of respiratory failure is true.

Bronchiolitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the bronchioles, which are the small airways in the lungs. This inflammation leads to narrowing of the airways and can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, it is correct to say that bronchiolitis is an inflammatory bronchiolar edema.

The signs listed, including nasal flaring, tracheal tugging, accessory muscle use, and suprasternal, intercostal, and epigastric retractions, are all indicative of respiratory distress. These signs suggest that the individual is experiencing difficulty breathing and is using additional muscles to aid in respiration. Nasal flaring and tracheal tugging are visual signs that the person is working harder to breathe, while accessory muscle use and retractions indicate that the person is using other muscles, such as those in the neck and chest, to assist with breathing. Overall, these signs collectively suggest respiratory distress.

Silent chest refers to a severe symptom experienced by asthmatics, where there is little or no audible wheezing or breath sounds. This is a sign of extreme airway narrowing and indicates a significant decrease in airflow. It is considered dangerous because it suggests a severe asthma attack that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, the statement "In dealing with asthmatics silent chest equals danger" is true.

Epiglottitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. It is commonly caused by a bacterial infection, specifically Hemophilus influenzae type B. This bacterium can invade the epiglottis and cause inflammation, leading to symptoms such as severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress. Prompt medical attention is necessary in cases of suspected epiglottitis as it can be life-threatening. Therefore, the statement that epiglottitis is caused by a bacterial infection (Hemophilus influenzae) is true.

Epiglottitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that prevents food and liquid from entering the windpipe during swallowing. This inflammation can extend beyond the epiglottis and cause edema (swelling) in the supraglottic region, which includes the area above the vocal cords. Therefore, it is true that epiglottitis can cause supraglottic edema.

Croup is a respiratory condition that primarily affects young children, typically between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. This condition is caused by inflammation and swelling of the upper airway, leading to symptoms such as a barking cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. While croup can occur in older children and adults, it is most commonly seen in this specific age group. Therefore, the statement that croup occurs in children from 6 months to 4 years of age is true.

The signs of respiratory distress include tachycardia (which may be bradycardia in neonates), head bobbing, stridor, prolonged expiration, abdominal breathing, and grunting. Tachycardia refers to an abnormally fast heart rate, while head bobbing and stridor are signs of increased effort in breathing. Prolonged expiration and abdominal breathing indicate difficulty in exhaling and the use of accessory muscles for breathing, respectively. Grunting is a protective mechanism that creates continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to help keep the alveoli open. Therefore, all of the above signs are indicative of respiratory distress.

The correct answer is "All the Above" because asthma can present with various signs and symptoms, including coughing, expiratory wheezing, tachypnea (rapid breathing), and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin). These symptoms are commonly seen in individuals with asthma due to the inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which leads to difficulty in breathing. Therefore, selecting "All the Above" as the answer encompasses all the typical signs and symptoms associated with asthma.

Laryngotracheobronchitis is another term for croup. Croup is a common respiratory condition that affects young children, usually between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. It is characterized by inflammation of the upper airway, specifically the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. This inflammation leads to a distinctive barking cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. Croup is typically caused by a viral infection, most commonly the parainfluenza virus. It is usually a self-limiting condition that can be managed with home remedies and supportive care, although in severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary.

Greater than 90% of deaths in children less than 5 years old are caused by Foreign Body Airway Obstruction. This means that the majority of deaths in this age group occur due to blockage of the airway by a foreign object. This could be anything that a child accidentally inhales or swallows, such as food, small toys, or other objects. This is a significant cause of mortality in young children and highlights the importance of ensuring a safe environment and proper supervision to prevent such incidents.

The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that respiratory emergencies are the number one cause of pediatric hospital admissions, the leading cause of death during the first year of life (excluding congenital abnormalities), and includes all the options mentioned in the question.

Croup is a respiratory condition that primarily affects young children. It is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as a barking cough and difficulty breathing. The most common cause of croup is the parainfluenza virus, which infects the upper respiratory tract and causes swelling in the throat and voice box. Influenza and bacteria can also cause respiratory infections, but they are not typically associated with croup. Jaudince, on the other hand, is not related to respiratory infections and is unrelated to the cause of croup.

Croup is a respiratory condition that primarily affects children, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It is more common in males than females, although the exact reason for this is not fully understood. It could be due to anatomical differences, hormonal factors, or variations in immune response between genders. Nevertheless, studies have consistently shown a higher incidence of croup in males, supporting the statement that croup occurs more often in males than females.

The management of Epiglottitis consists of several steps. First, providing high concentration oxygen is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation. Second, if possible, intravenous (IV) tko (to keep open) should be administered to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. Third, rapid transport to a healthcare facility is essential for further evaluation and treatment. Lastly, it is advised not to attempt to visualize the airway as this can potentially worsen the condition.

The combination of respiratory distress, sore throat, and drooling is indicative of epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing to prevent food or drink from entering the airway. Inflammation of the epiglottis can cause difficulty breathing, a sore throat, and excessive drooling due to the discomfort and obstruction. Prompt medical attention is necessary as epiglottitis can be a life-threatening condition, particularly in children.

Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling in the upper airway, leading to a barking cough and difficulty breathing. It is most commonly seen in the fall and winter months, particularly in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Therefore, the statement that croup occurs more often in the summer and early spring is incorrect.

Bronchiolitis is a respiratory condition that primarily affects infants and young children. It is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the small airways in the lungs, known as bronchioles. This inflammation can lead to the narrowing of the airways, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. Therefore, bronchiolitis is indeed an issue of trapped air, contradicting the given statement that suggests otherwise. Hence, the correct answer is False.

The answer suggests that the pediatric respiratory system is complicated due to several factors. These factors include poor accessory muscle development, which may affect the ability to effectively expand and contract the lungs. Additionally, the less rigid thoracic cage in pediatric patients may impact the movement of the chest during breathing. Pediatric patients also have horizontal ribs, which means that the diaphragm plays a larger role in breathing compared to adults who primarily use their intercostal muscles. Lastly, pediatric patients have an increased metabolic rate and increased oxygen consumption, which may place additional demands on their respiratory system.

The correct answer includes a combination of treatments for Severe Croup. Humidified high concentration oxygen helps to improve oxygenation. Monitoring the EKG is important to assess cardiac function. IV tko (to keep open) is administered if tolerated to maintain fluid balance. Nebulized racemic epinephrine helps to reduce airway inflammation. Anticipating the need to intubate and assisting with ventilations may be necessary in severe cases. Therefore, all of these treatments are appropriate for Severe Croup.

The pediatric respiratory system is complicated by several factors. Firstly, the large head, small mandible, and small neck can contribute to airway obstruction and difficulty in breathing. Secondly, the large, posteriorly-placed tongue can also obstruct the airway and cause breathing problems. Additionally, the high glottic opening and small airways in children can make them more susceptible to respiratory issues. Lastly, the presence of tonsils and adenoids can further obstruct the airway and lead to respiratory complications.