Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

Stridor is a key indicator of airway obstruction in a pediatric patient because it often signifies a partially obstructed airway, particularly in the upper airway. Stridor is characterized by a high-pitched, wheezing sound primarily heard during inhalation and is often caused by conditions such as croup, foreign body aspiration, or laryngeal edema. This sound indicates turbulence in airflow due to a narrowed airway, which is a critical sign that requires immediate assessment and potentially intervention.

The presence of stridor suggests that the patient's airway may be compromised, making it an essential clinical finding in emergency settings. Immediate evaluation and management of the underlying cause of stridor are necessary to ensure adequate airflow and oxygenation.

Other symptoms such as bradycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia may also relate to respiratory distress or other complications in pediatric patients but are less specific indicators of airway obstruction compared to stridor. In an emergency context, identifying stridor can help clinicians prioritize treatment and initiate appropriate steps to relieve the obstruction swiftly.