A 10-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department Due

A 10-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department due to respiratory distress.  Over the past 6 hours, rapid, noisy breathing has progressively developed.  Temperature is 40.1 C (104.2 F) , blood pressure is 105/75 mm Hg, pulse is 120/min, and respirations are 32/min.  Examination shows inspiratory stridor and supraclavicular retractions.  Lateral neck x-ray is shown in the exhibit. 
The patient is admitted to the hospital, and blood cultures are obtained.  If blood cultures are positive, which of the following would most likely be seen on Gram stain?

A) Gram-negative cocci in pairs
B) Gram-negative coccobacilli
C) Gram-negative rods in chains
D) Gram-positive cocci in chains
E) Gram-positive cocci in clusters

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free