Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

What age group is primarily affected by pediatric respiratory distress?

1. Infants under 1 year

2. Children aged 1 to 4 years

3. Children aged 5 to 12 years

4. Adolescents aged 13 to 18 years

The correct answer is: Children aged 1 to 4 years

The primary age group affected by pediatric respiratory distress is children aged 1 to 4 years. This age group is particularly vulnerable due to several physiological and developmental factors. Children in this age range have smaller airways and higher respiratory rates, making them more susceptible to conditions that can cause respiratory distress, such as asthma, infections, or foreign body aspiration. Additionally, respiratory illnesses are more prevalent in younger children because their immune systems are still developing, making them less capable of fighting off infections. This age group also tends to exhibit symptoms of respiratory distress more acutely, as they may not be able to effectively communicate their discomfort or underlying issues. In contrast, infants under 1 year and older children, including adolescents, typically have different respiratory concerns and varying susceptibility based on their developmental stages.