Which of the following characteristics of the pediatric respiratory system makes infants and young children more susceptible to respiratory distress compared to adults?
Larger airway diameter and more developed lung volume
Smaller airway diameter and immature respiratory muscles
Larger alveolar surface area and stronger respiratory muscles
More developed diaphragm and increased lung compliance
The Correct Answer is B
A. Infants actually have smaller airway diameters and less lung volume than adults. A larger airway and fully developed lungs would decrease susceptibility to respiratory compromise, not increase it.
B. Infants’ airways are narrow, so even minor swelling or mucus buildup can significantly obstruct airflow. Additionally, respiratory muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostals, are immature and fatigue easily, making it harder for infants to maintain adequate ventilation during illness or stress. These factors increase the risk of rapid respiratory compromise.
C. Infants have fewer alveoli and less surface area for gas exchange, and their respiratory muscles are weaker than adults, not stronger. This contributes to increased risk, not protection.
D. The diaphragm is less developed in infants, and their chest wall is more compliant, which can lead to paradoxical movements and less effective ventilation. Increased diaphragm development and lung compliance would enhance respiratory function, not increase susceptibility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Differentiation refers to cells or structures becoming specialized, whereas development encompasses functional changes and skill acquisition. While differentiation occurs, the scenario emphasizes both physical growth and skill acquisition, making this pairing incomplete.
B. Growth refers to quantitative increases, such as weight and height, and maturation refers to qualitative functional changes over time. While maturation is implied, the scenario specifically highlights skill improvement and the ability to perform complex tasks, which aligns more directly with differentiation.
C. Growth is represented by the child’s appropriate weight gain, a quantitative change. Differentiation is reflected in the improved coordination, problem-solving skills, and ability to perform complex tasks like tying shoelaces. These changes indicate that the child’s structures and functions are becoming more specialized, matching the definition of differentiation.
D. Development focuses on functional abilities and skill acquisition, and maturation refers to functional competency over time. While relevant, this combination does not explicitly include the quantitative growth aspect (weight gain), which is a key part of the scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A routine abdominal ultrasound is not used to assess bone age or growth delays. While abdominal ultrasounds can detect organ abnormalities, they provide no information about skeletal maturation.
B. A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates blood cell levels and can detect anemia or infection, but it does not provide information about bone growth or skeletal development.
C. A hand-wrist X-ray is the standard diagnostic test to assess bone age and skeletal maturation. By comparing the X-ray of the child’s hand and wrist bones to standardized age-related charts (such as the Greulich and Pyle atlas), providers can determine if the child’s skeletal growth is appropriate for chronological age. This helps identify growth delays, endocrine disorders, or other conditions affecting stature.
D. Anthropometric hand-wrist measurement refers to physical measurements of the hand and wrist, which do not provide sufficient information to determine bone age or detect growth delays. X-ray imaging is required for accurate assessment of skeletal maturity.
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