NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamMedical EmergenciesEasy
A 5-year-old male is experiencing a sudden onset of difficulty breathing, stridor, and a 'barking' cough. His parents state he had a low-grade fever and runny nose for the past two days. He is alert and sitting comfortably on his mother's lap. What is the most likely cause of his symptoms?
- AEpiglottitis
- BAnaphylaxis
- CBacterial tracheitis
- DCroup
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Croup
The child's symptoms of a 'barking' cough, stridor, low-grade fever, and preceding cold symptoms are classic for croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), a viral infection causing inflammation of the upper airway.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Epiglottitis typically presents with a high fever, muffled voice, drooling, and tripod position, without a 'barking' cough.
- B. Anaphylaxis would present with a sudden onset of respiratory distress, hives, swelling, and possibly signs of shock, typically after exposure to an allergen.
- C. Bacterial tracheitis is less common and often presents with a higher fever, more severe illness, and may progress to airway obstruction, but the classic 'barking' cough points more to croup.
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
A common pediatric respiratory illness caused by viral infection, leading to inflammation and narrowing of the upper airway, characterized by a 'barking' cough.
- Viral infection, usually 6 months to 3 years.
- 'Barking' or 'seal-like' cough.
- Stridor (inspiratory), especially when agitated.
- Often preceded by cold symptoms and low-grade fever.
Memory trick: Barking Cough, Croup's Enough