Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

In treating a 2-year-old with respiratory distress and signs of stridor, what is the most appropriate treatment?

1. Inhaled epinephrine

2. Humidified oxygen

3. Bronchodilator therapy

4. Intravenous fluids

The correct answer is: Humidified oxygen

Humidified oxygen is the most appropriate treatment for a 2-year-old with respiratory distress and signs of stridor. Stridor typically indicates upper airway obstruction or narrowing, often associated with conditions such as croup or an allergic reaction. When a pediatric patient exhibits stridor, the airway is already compromised, making it crucial to manage the airway's humidity and moisture to soothe inflamed tissues and facilitate easier breathing. Humidified oxygen helps to hydrate the airway, reducing irritation and swelling, which can significantly alleviate the symptoms and improve the child's breathing. This treatment is beneficial in managing conditions that cause stridor, as it directly addresses the inflammation of the airway. Inhaled epinephrine is sometimes used in cases of severe upper airway swelling, but it is not the first-line treatment for all instances of stridor. Bronchodilator therapy targets lower airway conditions, like asthma, and is not effective for stridor-related concerns that primarily involve the upper airway. Intravenous fluids are less relevant in the acute management of stridor and respiratory distress, as they do not directly alleviate the immediate airway issues that this young patient is experiencing. Therefore, the administration of humidified oxygen provides the most targeted and supportive approach in this scenario.