A 10-year-old male is brought to the ER with prolonged bronchospasm and severe hypoxemia. The most likely diagnosis is:
A) exercise-induced asthma.
B) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
C) status asthmaticus.
D) bronchiectasis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prolonged bronchospasm and severe hypoxemia are characteristic features of status asthmaticus, which is an acute exacerbation of asthma that persists despite standard treatment. Exercise-induced asthma typically presents with symptoms during or after physical activity, but not necessarily with severe hypoxemia. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic condition typically associated with smoking or exposure to other irritants, and may lead to bronchospasm and hypoxemia, but is uncommon in 10-year-old patients. Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition in which the bronchi become enlarged and damaged, leading to increased susceptibility to infections, but is not typically associated with severe hypoxemia unless there is a superimposed pneumonia or other acute exacerbation.

A 10-Year-Old Male Is Brought to the ER with Prolonged