Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What does inspiratory stridor in a child indicate?

1. Attempt to prolong oxygen and CO2 exchange

2. Fluid has replaced air in the lungs

3. Edema in the upper airway

4. Inflammation in the narrow passages of the lungs

The correct answer is: Edema in the upper airway

Inspiratory stridor in a child is an abnormal, high-pitched sound that occurs during inhalation, typically indicating a problem with the upper airway. This sound is often a result of narrowed or obstructed passages, leading to turbulent airflow. When the upper airway is compromised, whether due to edema, infection, or another form of obstruction, inspiratory stridor is a common clinical manifestation. In the context of this question, edema in the upper airway can occur due to various conditions, such as croup or an allergic reaction, which cause swelling and limit the air passage. The presence of stridor indicates the need for further assessment and potentially urgent intervention to ensure the airway remains patent and the child can breathe appropriately. Other conditions listed, such as fluid replacing air in the lungs or inflammation in the lung passages, would generally lead to different respiratory sounds and symptoms rather than stridor, as stridor is specifically associated with upper airway issues.