An 8-year-old girl presents with sore throat, a temperature of 38°C, and no childhood immunizations. Clinical examination confirms a severely swollen and edematous neck region with... An 8-year-old girl presents with sore throat, a temperature of 38°C, and no childhood immunizations. Clinical examination confirms a severely swollen and edematous neck region with enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Her pharynx is erythematous with bleeding spots when a swab is taken for culture. Inspiratory stridor is noted upon auscultation of the lungs. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? A. Streptococcal pharyngitis B. Diphtheria C. Pertussis D. Thrush
Understand the Problem
The question describes a clinical scenario of an 8-year-old girl presenting with symptoms such as sore throat, fever, swollen neck with enlarged lymph nodes, pharyngeal erythema with bleeding spots, and inspiratory stridor. Crucially, the patient is not immunized. We need to determine the most likely diagnosis from the given options.
Answer
Diphtheria
The most likely diagnosis is Diphtheria. The combination of sore throat, fever, swollen neck with enlarged lymph nodes, bleeding spots in the pharynx, inspiratory stridor, and lack of immunization points towards this diagnosis.
Answer for screen readers
The most likely diagnosis is Diphtheria. The combination of sore throat, fever, swollen neck with enlarged lymph nodes, bleeding spots in the pharynx, inspiratory stridor, and lack of immunization points towards this diagnosis.
More Information
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin (poison). Diphtheria can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume every sore throat is strep throat. Look for the unique signs and symptoms to narrow the possibilities.
Sources
- Diphtheria - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.org
- Diphtheria (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth - kidshealth.org
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