Question

an 8 - year - old female has had trouble breathing for two days. her father called because she continues to have trouble breathing and he cannot wake her up. you do not hear any sounds when you auscultate her lower lungs and hear faint wheezes in her upper lungs. her vital signs are p 60, r 26, bp 94/68, and spo2 is 88% on room air.
what signs/symptoms lead you to this decision?
mental status
tidal volume
respiratory rate
skin color
airway sounds
accessory muscle use
pulse ox

Explanation:

• Mental status: The girl cannot be woken up, indicating a change in her mental state which is a significant sign.
• Airway sounds: No sounds in lower lungs and faint wheezes in upper lungs suggest airway issues.
• Pulse Ox (SpO2): An SpO2 of 88% on room air is low (normal is usually above 95%), indicating hypoxemia.

Answer:

Mental status, Airway sounds, Pulse Ox.