ATLS Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Guide for Exam Preparation

Stridor is a common sign of respiratory difficulty and indicates an upper airway obstruction or irritation. It is a loud, high-pitched wheezing sound that occurs when breathing in, typically associated with conditions affecting the airway such as croup, vocal cord dysfunction, or severe allergic reactions that cause swelling. The presence of stridor suggests that the airway is compromised, which necessitates immediate medical evaluation and intervention to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation.

In contrast, bradycardia is a slow heart rate that may be associated with cardiac issues rather than respiratory distress. Hypotension refers to low blood pressure and does not directly indicate respiratory difficulty but may occur in cases of severe shock. Leg swelling is often related to fluid retention or vascular issues and is not a sign of respiratory difficulty. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for clinical assessment and management in emergency settings.