A 3-week-old infant is being transported to a tertiary care center for worsening respiratory distress. On examination, the infant has a heart rate of 180 bpm, nasal flaring, and intercostal retractions. The patient has a history of prematurity at 32 weeks. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
The correct answer is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. Premature infants are particularly vulnerable to RSV bronchiolitis, which often presents with symptoms of worsening respiratory distress such as tachypnea, nasal flaring, and intercostal retractions. Asthma is unlikely in such a young infant, given it typically presents later in childhood. Croup generally presents with a characteristic barking cough, which is not described here. GERD usually presents with feeding difficulties and poor weight gain, not acute respiratory distress.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and how does it affect infants?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are intercostal retractions, and why are they significant in this case?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why are premature infants more vulnerable to respiratory infections like RSV?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CFRN
Special Populations
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access