NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamMedical EmergenciesMedium
A 5-year-old male is experiencing a sudden onset of difficulty breathing, stridor, and a 'seal-bark' cough. His parents state he had a cold for a few days, and his symptoms worsened overnight. He is afebrile. What is the MOST likely cause of his respiratory distress?
- ACroup.
- BEpiglottitis.
- CBronchiolitis.
- DAsthma exacerbation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Croup.
The patient's presentation of a 'seal-bark' cough, stridor, and a preceding cold, along with being afebrile, are classic signs of croup (laryngotracheobronchitis). Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling around the vocal cords and trachea.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Epiglottitis presents with high fever, drooling, muffled voice, and tripod position, not a 'seal-bark' cough.
- C. Bronchiolitis typically affects infants, presenting with wheezing, tachypnea, and nasal flaring, not stridor or a 'seal-bark' cough.
- D. Asthma exacerbation presents with wheezing and difficulty exhaling, not stridor or a 'seal-bark' cough.
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
Croup is a common pediatric respiratory illness caused by viral infection, leading to inflammation and swelling of the larynx and trachea, characterized by a distinctive 'seal-bark' cough and inspiratory stridor.
- Typically affects children 6 months to 3 years, but can occur up to 6 years.
- Often preceded by a common cold.
- Symptoms worsen at night.
- Usually afebrile or low-grade fever.
Memory trick: Barking cough + stridor + no fever = Croup's got the scoop!