5-year-old child with 20 kgs weight has a respiratory rate of 54 breaths/ minute. It is classified as which pneumonia: March 2013
**Core Concept**
The question requires the application of the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for the classification of pneumonia in children, specifically the definition of fast breathing in children. Fast breathing is a key indicator of pneumonia severity and is used to guide treatment decisions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Fast breathing in children is defined as the rate of breathing exceeding 40 breaths per minute in children aged 1-5 years. This criterion is used to identify children with pneumonia who require further evaluation and treatment. The child in the question has a respiratory rate of 54 breaths per minute, which exceeds the threshold for fast breathing.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the WHO criteria for fast breathing in children aged 1-5 years are >40 breaths per minute, not >30.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the respiratory rate of 54 breaths per minute is above the threshold for fast breathing, regardless of the child's weight.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the child's weight (20 kgs) is not relevant to the classification of pneumonia based on respiratory rate.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because the child's respiratory rate is above the threshold for fast breathing, and the weight is not relevant to this classification.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The WHO criteria for pneumonia classification in children are widely used and can help guide treatment decisions. Remember that fast breathing is a key indicator of pneumonia severity in children.
**Correct Answer: C. Pneumonia classification in children is based on respiratory rate, not weight.**