Written Practice · Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis in Infancy
A 7-month-old presenting with acute bronchiolitis. This mock builds from normal respiratory anatomy and physiology through to pathophysiology, clinical signs, applied impact, developmental theory, psychosocial care, and MDT management.
8
Questions
2
Parts
~90
Minutes
8
Marking criteria
Patient
Ellie
7 months
Increased work of breathing, poor feeding, and coryzal symptoms for 48 hours (48 hours)
Observations
Respiratory rate
58 breaths/min
Heart rate
162 bpm
SpO₂
91% on room air
Temperature
37.9°C
Capillary refill time
3 seconds
Clinical Signs
- Subcostal and intercostal recession
- Nasal flaring
- Audible wheeze and widespread crackles on auscultation
- Feeding reduced to less than 50% of normal intake
- Fewer wet nappies over the past 12 hours
Diagnosis: Acute bronchiolitis (likely RSV)
Family Context
Ellie is the first child of a young single mother, Sara (19), who is visibly anxious. Sara was discharged from postnatal care six months ago and has limited family support nearby. She has been managing Ellie’s symptoms at home with saline drops and is worried about Ellie being admitted.
What this mock is testing
- Describing normal respiratory anatomy and physiology with accurate terminology
- Explaining the mechanics of ventilation and gas exchange
- Linking pathophysiology to clinical signs in a paediatric context
- Applying clinical reasoning to an infant scenario
- Using developmental theories to assess hospitalisation impact
- Planning family-centred, multidisciplinary care
Skills assessed
What strong answers do
- Every clinical sign is explained, not just listed — you show you understand why it occurs
- Pathophysiology is presented as a chain of reasoning, not isolated facts
- Paediatric-specific anatomy and physiology are woven throughout, not added as an afterthought
- Developmental theories are applied to Ellie specifically, with practical nursing actions linked to each
How Part A builds
Take your time with this scenario. Every detail — the observations, the family context, the clinical signs — will be relevant to your answers.