Question
Which sign is most important in deciding severe pneumonia in a child?
| A. |
Fast breathing |
| B. |
Nasal flaring |
| C. |
Chest indrawing |
| D. |
Grunting |
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » C Explanation |
 |
- Chest indrawing (lower chest wall indrawing) is the key clinical sign used to identify severe pneumonia in children according to the Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI)/Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) classification.
- It indicates increased work of breathing due to significant lower respiratory tract disease.
- Children with chest indrawing require urgent assessment and appropriate management.
Why Other Options are Incorrect
A. Fast breathing
- Fast breathing is the earliest sign of pneumonia.
- By itself, it indicates pneumonia, but not necessarily severe pneumonia.
B. Nasal flaring
- Nasal flaring indicates respiratory distress.
- It is a supportive sign but is not the primary criterion used to classify severe pneumonia.
D. Grunting
- Grunting is a sign of severe respiratory distress and impending respiratory failure.
- Although it suggests severe illness, it is not the principal IMNCI criterion for classifying severe pneumonia.