A nurse is administering corticosteroids to a child with epiglottitis.
What should the nurse monitor for as potential side effects of corticosteroid therapy?

Choice A rationale:

Epiglottitis does not cause the epiglottis to shrink and recede into the throat.

Instead, it leads to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, causing airway obstruction.

Choice B rationale:

The inflammation in epiglottitis does not primarily affect the vocal cords.

It specifically affects the epiglottis, a flap-like structure located at the base of the tongue, which covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the windpipe.

Choice C rationale:

Epiglottitis leads to increased airway resistance and respiratory distress due to the swelling and obstruction of the airway.

This can result in difficulty swallowing, drooling, and a muffled voice, as seen in the client's symptoms described in the question.

Choice D rationale:

The swelling in epiglottitis is not limited to the vocal cord area.

It involves the epiglottis, which can obstruct the airway and cause respiratory distress.

Choice A rationale:

Difficulty swallowing and throat pain are common symptoms of epiglottitis, but they do not necessarily indicate the severity of the condition.

Choice B rationale:

Feeling anxious and restless may be a sign of distress, but it does not specifically indicate the severity of epiglottitis.

Choice C rationale:

Making a high-pitched sound when breathing (called stridor) is a serious symptom indicating airway obstruction.

While this is concerning, it is not the most critical manifestation in evaluating the severity of epiglottitis.

Choice D rationale:

Cyanosis, characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin and lips, indicates severe lack of oxygen and is a critical sign in assessing the severity of epiglottitis.

Cyanosis suggests inadequate oxygenation and is indicative of impending respiratory failure, requiring immediate medical intervention.