Question

You have been called for a​ 6-year-old male patient with shortness of breath. On​ scene, you find the patient with a runny nose and mucus coming from the right nare. Breath sounds are clear and his SpO2 is​ 99% on room air. When​ asked, the patient states that his throat is very sore. His vital signs are​ pulse, 124;​ respirations, 20​ breaths/min; and​ temperature, 98.9°F. There is no medical​ history, according to the mother. Which statement or instruction would be most appropriate for this​ situation?a. "He is very stable, but we will take him to the hospital. The danger lies in the infection spreading to the lungs."b. "Why don't we give him an aspirin for his fever and then you can follow up at your pediatrician's office."c. " I am very concerned he may have epiglottis, so we are going to take him to the hospital with lights and siren."d. "Let's give him some oxygen since the heart rate is most likely elevated because his oxygen is low."

Answer 1

The correct answer to the question: Which statement or instruction would be the most appropriate for this situation, would be, A: he is very stable, but we will take him to the hospital. The danger lies in the infection spreading to the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important deal here is that this is a child of only six years of age and that he is starting to show an increase in his temperature, as the numbers reach 98.9F, which is on the borderline to actual fever. This indicates that the original infection, which was affecting the upper airways is now starting to affect more. Another point here is the heart rate, which, although not absolutely abnormal for a child of 6, is still showing increases, which indicates the advancement of the infection and the increase of temperature. The mother needs to know that none of the signs show that the child is in inminent danger, that his vital signs in general are stable, but, he does need to be brought for treatment because the signs do indicate that the infection is spreading, and affecting the lungs.