Question

While listening for lung sounds, you notice that the boy is wheezing and his lips are blue. You cannot find anything obvious obstructing his airway. As you glance down quickly at the rest of the boy's body, you notice an angry red welt on his inner arm.

7. You have reason to suspect that this boy is suffering from

Answer 1

The boy is likely suffering from an asthma attack indicated by wheezing, blue lips, and difficulty breathing, requiring immediate use of a fast-acting inhaler and possibly emergency medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described in the question, such as wheezing, blue lips, and an angry red welt, combined with difficulty breathing and a lack of an obvious obstruction in the airway, indicate that the boy is likely suffering from an asthma attack. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by episodes of airway obstruction, inflammation, and bronchospasm, resulting in symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Immediate medical attention may be required, especially when symptoms are severe, such as the presence of blue (cyanotic) lips or face.

As a precaution, it is crucial to monitor the boy's condition and provide, or assure the provision of, quick-relief medication, such as a fast-acting inhaler, and seek emergency medical care if symptoms worsen or do not improve promptly. The red welt observed may be suggestive of an allergic reaction, which can also trigger or exacerbate an asthma attack. Therefore, consideration should also be given to potential allergens the boy may have been exposed to.