CASE STUDY: THE CASE OF THE COUGHING INFANT Leeloo, a 1-month-old female infant,

Question

CASE STUDY: THE CASE OF THE COUGHING INFANT

Leeloo, a 1-month-old female infant, was admitted to Boulder Community Hospital (in Boulder, Colorado) with a 5- day history of excessive coughing, coryza (inflammation of nasal and respiratory passages), cyanosis, choking spells, gasping for breath, increased mucus in the air passages, vomiting, and limpness following severe coughing episodes. Vital signs measured at the time of admission at the hospital indicated an elevated pulse, a temperature of 101°F, and an increased rate of respiration. On examination, lung sounds are clear and the physician noted severe prolonged coughing that lead to a prolonged intake of breath by infant. White blood cell count was elevated. Because vaccination is at an all time low in Boulder, a respiratory pathogen is suspected. A nasopharyngeal swab was taken and bacterial infection was determined to be by a Gram-negative rod.

1. a) What disease do you suspect and which bacterium would you suspect as the causative agent for this infant’s disease?

b) What are the stages that are typically observed for this disease and what symptoms are observed for each stage?

Explanation / Answer

1. a) as poor immunization is a routine in this community, need to suspect whooping cough caused by gram negative short rods - bordetella pertussis.

b) There are 3 stages: Catarrhal, Paroxysmal and Convalescent stages , each presenting with a different time frame and symptoms.

The catarrhal stage is characterized by mild cough and fever with coryza and lasts for 5- 10 days. The paraoxysmal stage has rapid paraoxysms of cough, especially in the night with expulsion of mucous, cyanosis, whooping sounds, vomitting and exhaustion. This stage can last upto 10 weeks. The last stage is the convalescent stage with gradual decrease in overall symptoms and recovery.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse C
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.