A 6 month child with cough is having respiratory rate of 50/ min. This indicates: March 2012
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the understanding of the normal respiratory rate in infants and its clinical implications. Normal respiratory rate in infants is higher than in adults and children, and it is essential to interpret this in the context of the child's age and clinical presentation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In infants, a respiratory rate of 50/min is above the normal range of 40-60/min. This is because infants have a higher metabolic rate and a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, which results in a higher respiratory rate. A respiratory rate of 50/min in a 6-month-old child with cough may indicate an underlying respiratory infection, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. The increased respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism to meet the increased oxygen demand and to eliminate the excess carbon dioxide produced during the infection.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not relevant to the scenario described. The question is asking for an interpretation of the respiratory rate, not a treatment option.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not provide a clear interpretation of the respiratory rate. The mention of "normal" respiratory rate is not relevant to the scenario, as the child's respiratory rate is above the normal range.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is too broad and does not provide a specific interpretation of the respiratory rate. The mention of "respiratory distress" is a general term that can apply to many conditions, and it does not provide a clear connection to the child's respiratory rate.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that in infants, a respiratory rate of 50/min or higher is often a sign of underlying respiratory infection, especially in the context of cough. This is a high-yield fact that can help you to quickly identify the likely diagnosis in a clinical scenario.
**Correct Answer:** D. The child has respiratory distress.