Question

While assessing the airway of a pediatric​ patient, you will notice that it is different than that of an adult. Which of the following is one of those​ differences?

A. The tongue is​ smaller, taking up less room in the mouth and allowing larger objects to occlude the airway.
B. The cricoid cartilage is less​ developed, reducing the possibility that it can be completely occluded.
C. The trachea is​ smaller, softer, and more​ flexible, allowing it to be more easily obstructed.
D. The chest wall is​ softer, making it easier for the chest to expand.

Answer 1

The airway of a pediatric patient has several differences compared to that of an adult. These include a smaller tongue which allows larger objects to occlude the airway, a less developed cricoid cartilage, a smaller and more flexible trachea which can be easily obstructed, and a softer chest wall that facilitates chest expansion.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the differences in the airway of a pediatric patient compared to an adult is that the tongue is smaller, taking up less room in the mouth and allowing larger objects to occlude the airway. This means that pediatric patients are more at risk of choking on small objects. Other differences include the development of the cricoid cartilage being less in pediatric patients, reducing the possibility of complete airway obstruction, and the trachea being smaller, softer, and more flexible, making it easier to be obstructed. The chest wall is softer in pediatric patients, making it easier for the chest to expand.