A 4 month old boy with fever and cough for 3 days. The child O/E has rhonchi; RR 48/min. no chest indrawing. Which of the following is false?
**Core Concept**
Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory illness in infants characterized by inflammation and congestion of the small airways, often caused by viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The clinical presentation typically includes fever, cough, and wheezing or rhonchi.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the assessment of respiratory distress in infants. In this case, the child has a respiratory rate of 48/min, which is elevated, but there is no chest indrawing, indicating that the infant is not experiencing severe respiratory distress. However, the presence of rhonchi suggests airway obstruction, which can be a sign of bronchiolitis. The management of bronchiolitis typically involves supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and hydration, and may include the use of bronchodilators to help relieve airway obstruction.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This statement is incorrect because bronchiolitis is a common cause of respiratory illness in infants, and the presence of rhonchi is a characteristic finding.
**Option B:** This statement is incorrect because fever and cough are common symptoms of bronchiolitis, and the elevated respiratory rate is a sign of respiratory distress.
**Option C:** This statement is incorrect because chest indrawing is a sign of severe respiratory distress, and its absence does not rule out bronchiolitis.
**Option D:** This statement is incorrect because bronchodilators may be used to relieve airway obstruction in infants with bronchiolitis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In infants with bronchiolitis, the presence of rhonchi or wheezing is a sign of airway obstruction, and the absence of chest indrawing does not rule out severe respiratory distress.
**Correct Answer:** C.