Question

a 12 - year - old male has difficulty breathing. he tells you he has had a cold all week. you auscultate rhonchi in his left lower chest. his vital signs are p 104, r 28, bp 104/74, and spo2 is 89% 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:

• Respiratory Rate: The normal respiratory rate for a 12 - year - old is around 18 - 20 breaths per minute. A rate of 28 (R = 28) indicates tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress.
• Airway sounds: Rhonchi are low - pitched, continuous sounds that suggest airway obstruction (e.g., from secretions). The presence of rhonchi (auscultated in the left lower chest) is an abnormal airway sound indicating a problem in the airways.
• Pulse Ox (SpO2): A normal SpO2 on room air is typically above 95%. An SpO2 of 89% is significantly low, indicating hypoxemia (low oxygen in the blood), which is a serious sign related to breathing difficulties.

Answer:

Respiratory Rate, Airway sounds, Pulse Ox.