What treatment should be administered to a pediatric patient with swollen vocal cords?

In the scenario of a pediatric patient with swollen vocal cords, the administration of nebulized treatments is significant for addressing airway swelling, which could indicate conditions such as croup or other causes of upper airway obstruction.

Administering 2.5 mg of nebulized epinephrine by a hand-held nebulizer for infants under 1 year is a critical approach, as it provides immediate relief by vasoconstriction and reducing edema in the swollen airways. This dosage aims to mitigate the inflammation effectively in younger patients, who are more susceptible to respiratory distress due to their smaller airway size.

For children over 1 year, the correct action is to provide 5 mg of nebulized epinephrine at a concentration of 1:1000. This treatment also serves the same purpose by reducing swelling and opening the airways, offering broader support for children in this age group facing similar issues.

Since treating both age groups with appropriate dosages is essential for effective management, recognizing that both treatments are indicated validates the choice that incorporates them together. Therefore, the choice correctly identifies the necessary treatments tailored to different age cohorts in pediatric care for vocal cord swelling.