An -month-old boy is evaluated in the outpatient clinic in late January for a cough and rapid breathing. His symptoms began days ago with clear rhinorrhea and a low-grade temperature. His -year-old sister recently missed school due to a mild respiratory infection. The patient was born at weeks gestation and has no significant past medical history. His temperature is (), pulse is , respiratory rate is , and oxygen saturation is on room air. Physical examination reveals an infant who appears mildly fussy but consolable. Auscultation demonstrates prolonged expiration, diffuse polyphonic wheezes, and mild subcostal retractions bilaterally. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
- AAdministration of nebulized albuterol
- BInitiation of oral dexamethasone therapy
- Implementation of supportive measures including nasal suctioningCevap
- DPrescription of empiric oral azithromycin
- EAdministration of nebulized racemic epinephrine
Cevap
The most appropriate next step in management is the implementation of supportive measures including nasal suctioning.
This patient's presentation of a viral prodrome (rhinorrhea, low-grade fever) followed by respiratory distress, tachypnea, and diffuse wheezing in a child under two years of age during the winter is a classic vignette for acute bronchiolitis. The most common underlying etiology is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For infants with mild-to-moderate bronchiolitis who are well-oxygenated (oxygen saturation > 90% on room air) and lack signs of impending respiratory failure, the cornerstone of management is purely supportive care. This primarily involves maintaining airway patency via nasal suctioning and ensuring adequate hydration. Pharmacologic interventions have not been shown to alter the disease trajectory, reduce hospital admissions, or shorten the length of stay, and therefore are not recommended.
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Anahtar Kavram
The management of mild-to-moderate acute viral bronchiolitis in infants is entirely supportive, focusing on nasal suctioning and adequate hydration, without the use of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or antibiotics.