A 3-year-old male was brought into the emergency room this morning with a sudden onset of “fast and noisy breathing”. What other symptoms is the nurse likely to note in a child diagnosed with epiglottitis?
High-pitched wheezing
Thick, muffled voice
Purulent nasal discharge
Productive cough
Dyspnea
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: Thick, muffled voice.
Choice B rationale: A thick, muffled voice is a characteristic symptom of epiglottitis. The inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis cause an obstruction in the airway, leading to changes in the child's voice quality.
Choice A rationale: High-pitched wheezing is typically associated with conditions affecting the lower airways, such as asthma or bronchiolitis. Epiglottitis primarily affects the upper airway, causing stridor (a high-pitched, harsh sound during inhalation) rather than wheezing.
Choice C rationale: Purulent nasal discharge is not a typical symptom of epiglottitis. Epiglottitis usually presents with minimal or no secretions, while purulent discharge is more commonly seen in bacterial infections like sinusitis or pneumonia.
Choice D rationale: A productive cough is not a common symptom of epiglottitis. Coughing is associated with conditions affecting the lower respiratory tract, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Epiglottitis primarily affects the upper airway, causing difficulty breathing and a characteristic "thick, muffled voice."
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a pulse oximeter on the heel of a newborn can help monitor oxygen saturation levels. However, the symptoms described, such as jitteriness, hypotonicity, and a weak cry, are more indicative of hypoglycemia, a condition that would not be detected by a pulse oximeter.
Choice B rationale
Swaddling the infant in a warm blanket can help maintain body temperature, but it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which are suggestive of hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Documenting the findings in the record is an important part of nursing care, but it does not provide immediate intervention for the symptoms observed.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a heel stick blood glucose level is the appropriate action given the symptoms described. Jitteriness, hypotonicity, and a weak cry can be signs of neonatal hypoglycemia. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential complications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Purulent secretions are not typically associated with epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is an inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis and does not usually produce purulent secretions.
Choice B rationale
While a child with epiglottitis may appear anxious due to difficulty breathing, apprehension is not a specific symptom of epiglottitis.
Choice C rationale
A thick, muffled voice is a common symptom of epiglottitis. The inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis can affect the child’s voice, making it sound thick and muffled.
Choice D rationale
Wheezing is not typically a symptom of epiglottitis. While breathing difficulties are common in epiglottitis, they are usually due to the swelling of the epiglottis rather than constriction of the airways, which causes wheezing.
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