Pediatric HESI 2023 Related

Review Pediatric HESI 2023 related questions and content

A healthcare professional is assessing a child with suspected pertussis. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare professional likely to observe?

  • A. Dry, hacking cough
  • B. Inspiratory stridor
  • C. Nasal congestion
  • D. Severe coughing spells
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Severe coughing spells are a hallmark clinical manifestation of pertussis. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is characterized by paroxysms of rapid, consecutive coughs followed by a distinctive 'whoop' sound as the patient gasps for air. This intense coughing can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and sometimes a characteristic 'whoop' sound. Inspiratory stridor (Choice B) is more commonly associated with croup, not pertussis. Nasal congestion (Choice C) is not a typical feature of pertussis. While a cough is present in pertussis, the specific type of cough described in Choice A (dry, hacking cough) is not the predominant feature observed in pertussis.