A 7-year-old with a fever of 101.3°F and shortness of breath has a patent airway, but tachypneic respirations. His heart rate is 132, respirations 28, and blood pressure 94/60 with an SpO₂ of 96% on room air. Crackles and wheezes are noted in the base of the right lung. Based on this presentation, you would suspect and treat the patient for:

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of crackles and wheezes in the lung base, along with the fever, shortness of breath, and tachypnea, suggest a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia. Treatment would be with antibiotics. Bronchiolitis, asthma, and upper respiratory infections may also present with similar symptoms, but crackles and wheezes are not typically heard in these conditions.

A 7-Year-Old with a Fever of 101