NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamMedical EmergenciesEasy
A 4-year-old male presents with a sudden onset of difficulty breathing, stridor, and a 'barking' cough. His parents state he had a cold for a few days prior. He is afebrile. Which condition is MOST consistent with these findings?
- AForeign body aspiration
- BAnaphylaxis
- CCroup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
- DEpiglottitis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
The classic presentation of a 'barking' cough, stridor, and preceding cold symptoms in an afebrile child points to Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis), which is a viral infection causing inflammation of the upper airway.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Foreign body aspiration would have a sudden onset of choking and respiratory distress, often without preceding cold symptoms or a barking cough.
- B. Anaphylaxis would present with widespread allergic symptoms like hives, swelling, and rapid onset after exposure to an allergen.
- D. Epiglottitis typically presents with high fever, drooling, and muffled voice, without a barking cough.
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
A common viral infection of the upper airway in children, characterized by swelling around the vocal cords, trachea, and bronchi, leading to a distinctive 'barking' cough.
- Caused by viral infection, often preceded by a cold.
- Key symptoms: 'barking' cough, inspiratory stridor.
- Children are typically afebrile or have a low-grade fever.
Memory trick: Croup: Cold, Cough, Croaking!