Question

a 13 - year - old male tells you that he has had a cough for two weeks. he has an episode of coughing, and you hear an inspiratory whoop after each cough. you auscultate rhonchi in his left lower lung. his vital signs are p 100, r 22, bp 118/76, and spo2 is 93% 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 patient's respiratory rate (R 22) is within the normal range for a 13 - year - old (normal range for 13 - year - olds: 12 - 20 breaths per minute, but some sources may consider up to 24 as normal in certain situations like after mild activity or in a slightly anxious state. However, it can still be a factor in overall respiratory assessment).
• Airway sounds: Inspiratory whoop (a characteristic sound in conditions like pertussis) and rhonchi (a type of adventitious lung sound indicating airway obstruction or secretions in larger airways) are important airway - related signs.
• Pulse Ox (SpO2): SpO2 of 93% on room air is slightly lower than the normal range (usually 95 - 100% on room air), which can indicate some degree of respiratory compromise.

Answer:

Respiratory Rate, Airway sounds, Pulse Ox