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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The child’s symptoms of agitation, fever, and back pain, along with a history of asthma and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), suggest that she may be experiencing another UTI1.
UTIs can cause fever and back pain, and the fever can lead to agitation in young children. Administering the prescribed antipyretic would help to reduce the child’s fever and alleviate some of her discomfort.
Choice B rationale
Obstructive uropathy is a condition where the flow of urine is blocked, which can cause pain and kidney damage. While this condition could potentially cause back pain, the child’s other symptoms such as fever and agitation are more indicative of an infection like a UTI1.
Choice C rationale
Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps keep fluid in the bloodstream so it doesn’t leak into other tissues. It is not a condition but a substance in the body, and therefore would not be the correct answer to the question.
Choice D rationale
V320 is not a known medical condition or term, and therefore would not be the correct answer to the question.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C"}
Explanation
A. Croup
- Rationale: Croup is a condition characterized by a barking cough and stridor (a high-pitched breathing sound), often accompanied by noisy breathing. It is a common cause of respiratory distress in children and can present with symptoms similar to those described.
B. Asthma
- Rationale: Asthma can present in young children with symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing. However, diagnosing asthma in very young children can be challenging due to the variability of symptoms and the overlap with other respiratory conditions.
C. Bronchiolitis
- Rationale: The child’s symptoms of “fast and noisy breathing” could be indicative of bronchiolitis, a common lung infection in young children. This condition is often preceded by symptoms of a common cold, such as sneezing and a runny nose, which the child had the previous week.
D. Foreign Body Aspiration
- Rationale: Foreign body aspiration should be considered in young children who present with sudden onset of respiratory symptoms, including noisy or rapid breathing, particularly if there is a history of coughing or choking.
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