Respiratory Emergencies

Question 1

When does the airway of children become anatomically similar to that of adults?

Answer 1

> 8 years old

Question 2

What does head bobbing in infants indicate, and why does it occur in such cases?

Answer 2

Head bobbing indicates respiratory distress in infants. It occurs due to the weakness of the muscles supporting the head, with the head rising during inspiration, and falling during expiration.

Question 3

Young infants are preferential ____ breathers.

Answer 3

Nose

Question 4

A _____ tongue and ______ distance between the tongue and hard palate increase the potential for obstruction.

Answer 4

Large; short

Question 5

Narrowest portion of the pediatric airway is at the level of?

Answer 5

Cricoid ring, below the vocal cords

Question 6

Why are young children unable to sustain rapid ventilatory rates for prolonged periods?

Answer 6

Immaturity of intercostals that easily fatigue

Question 7

Ssx of respiratory distress?

Answer 7

Audible wheezing
Central cyanosis that resolves with oxygen
Inc depth of breathing
Inspiratory stridor
Irritability, anxiety, restlessness
Dyspnea
Mild tachycardia
Nasal flaring
Pallor/mottling
Retractions
Abdominal breathing
Tachypnea

Question 8

Respiratory failure is a problem of inadequate oxygenation or ventilation? This leads to?

Answer 8

Either or both; Inability to meet the metabolic demands of tissues

Question 9

Ssx of respiratory failure?

Answer 9

Acute mental changes
Central cyanosis despite oxygen support
Mottling
Inadequate ventilatory rate, effort, or chest excursion
Low oxygen saturation despite oxygen support
Normal or decreased muscle tone
Retractions, accessory muscle use
Tachycardia slowing to bradycardia
Tachypnea slowing to bradypnea then apnea
Weak or absent speech or cry