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An 8-month-old girl was admitted to the emergency department of a secondary hospital for recurrent episodes of shortness of breath. She had been referred to the hospital by the general practitioner after 3 days of gradually worsening symptoms of difficult breathing, cough and expiratory wheeze. No medication had been given.
Clinical Examination
Physical examination on admission showed a well-developed, well-nourished infant. There were no congenital abnormalities. The patient had a normal weight and length.
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Temperature: 38,2ÂșC
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Blood pressure: 90/65 mmHg
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Heart rate: 140/min regular
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Respiratory rate: 65/minute with nasal flaring and intercostal retractions
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Pulse oximetry: 95% on room temperature
She was alert, but dyspneic. The nose contained copious clear mucus. Ear and oropharynx examination showed no inflammation. Lung auscultation revealed a prolonged expiratory phase with end-expiratory wheeze. There were normal heart sounds and no heart murmurs. Further physical examination showed no abnormalities.
On admission she received humidified oxygen by mask and intravenous saline infusion.
* Which information do you further require to get a good clinical picture of this infant? *
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