Which characteristics describe pediatric pulmonary physiology relative to adults?

• A. More Secretions, Narrow Nasal Passages, And Little Extra Oxygen Available (Low FRC)
• B. Children Have Fewer Secretions And Wider Nasal Passages
• C. Children Have Greater FRC Than Adults
• D. Lungs Are Fully Developed At Birth

Answer: (A)

Pediatric pulmonary physiology is characterized by smaller airways that are more easily obstructed, a tendency for nasal breathing to dominate due to relatively narrow nasal passages, and a limited oxygen reserve because functional residual capacity is low in children. These factors mean secretions can more readily impede airflow, nasal airway resistance is higher, and there is little extra oxygen available between breaths, making desaturation quicker during periods of apnea or sedation. Therefore, the statement describing more secretions, narrow nasal passages, and a low oxygen reserve (low FRC) best captures how pediatric lungs differ from adults. The other descriptions—fewer secretions and wider nasal passages, greater FRC, or lungs fully developed at birth—do not fit pediatric physiology.