Question

A 59-year-old patient is reporting difficulty breathing. The patient is exhibiting nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and use of accessory muscles. The respiratory rate is 28 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation is 92

1) Asthma
2) Pneumonia
3) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
4) Pulmonary embolism

Answer 1

The patient's symptoms and signs, including difficulty breathing, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and low oxygen saturation, are consistent with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). RDS occurs primarily in premature infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, leading to inadequate lung inflation and gas exchange.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described, including difficulty breathing, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, use of accessory muscles, and low oxygen saturation, are indicative of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). RDS primarily occurs in premature infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, leading to poor lung inflation and inadequate gas exchange. The symptoms and signs described in the patient align with the presentation of RDS in infants.