Pediatric Exam Scenarios: Upper Respiratory Infections

Pediatric Exam Scenarios

• Scenario 1: Upper Respiratory Infections

  • Question 1: A 3-year-old presents with a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. Which condition is most likely?

    • Correct Answer: Tonsilitis
    • Rationale: Tonsilitis is a common cause of sore throat in young children.

  • Question 2: A 2-year-old is wheezing and has a productive cough. Which condition is most likely?

    • Correct Answer: Bronchiolitis
    • Rationale: Bronchiolitis, caused by RSV, causes wheezing, cough, and difficulty breathing.

  • Question 3: A 6-month-old presents with stridor that worsens at night. Which condition is most likely?

    • Correct Answer: Croup
    • Rationale: Croup is characterized by barking cough and stridor, especially worse at night.

  • Question 4: A 4-year-old displays high fever, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Which condition is most likely?

    • Correct Answer: Epiglottitis
    • Rationale: Epiglottitis is a serious infection requiring immediate medical attention. The symptoms are extremely concerning.

  • Question 5: A 2-year-old complains of ear pain, fever, and a purulent discharge from the ear.

    • Correct Answer: Otitis media
    • Rationale: Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, typically involving ear pain, fever, and discharge.

• Scenario 2: Lower Respiratory Infections

  • Question 1: A 6-month-old presents with labored breathing, runny nose, and wheezing. Which condition is most likely?
    • Correct Answer: RSV
    • Rationale: RSV bronchiolitis often presents with symptoms like labored breathing in younger children.

• Scenario 3: Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)

  • Question 1: A neonate presents with bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis). Which category of CHD is most likely?

    • Correct Answer: Cyanotic CHD
    • Rationale: Cyanotic CHDs cause reduced oxygen-rich blood flow to the body, resulting in cyanosis.

  • Question 2: A child with a murmur presents with shortness of breath on exertion and fatigue. Which condition is likely?

    • Correct Answer: Acyanotic CHD.
    • Rationale: Acyanotic defects impact blood flow, but not oxygen saturation immediately. Symptoms often appear gradually with exertion.

• Scenario 4: Gastrointestinal Conditions

  • Question 1: A 6-week-old infant presents with projectile vomiting, a palpable olive-shaped mass in the upper abdomen, and dehydration.

    • Correct Answer: Pyloric Stenosis
    • Rationale: The classic presentation includes projectile vomiting, a palpable olive-shaped mass, and dehydration.

  • Question 2: A child presents with episodes of severe abdominal pain, followed by passing small amounts of black, tarry stools.

    • Correct Answer: Intussusception
    • Rationale: The characteristic symptoms include pain, and a "currant jelly" stool.

• Question 3: A newborn displays refusal of feeds, bilious vomiting, and abdominal distension. - Correct Answer: Intestinal Atresia - Rationale: These are symptoms of intestinal blockage by atresia.

  • Question 4: A child with a history of constipation shows signs of bowel obstruction.
    • Correct Answer: Hirschsprung Disease
    • Rationale: Hirschsprung's disease involves a lack of ganglion cells in the colon, causing constipation.

• Note: These are simplified examples. A full pediatric exam requires a thorough history, physical exam, and potentially diagnostic testing. The provided scenarios are for illustrative purposes only. Always consult pediatric care guidelines for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

This quiz presents various scenarios related to pediatric upper respiratory infections. You'll need to identify common conditions based on symptoms observed in young children. Test your knowledge on tonsillitis, bronchiolitis, croup, and more.