Share This Link

Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) pharyngitis) may cause sore throat and fever, but typically does not cause drooling or dysphagia to this degree. It also presents more gradually and doesn’t lead to sudden airway emergency.

Acute tracheitis often follows an upper respiratory infection and presents similarly to croup, but drooling and sudden onset are not common. It also typically presents with a cough and stridor.

Acute laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) is more common than epiglottitis but presents with a barking cough, gradual onset, and stridor. The child usually doesn’t drool or have difficulty swallowing.

Hepatitis A vaccine prevents liver infection spread via the fecal-oral route. It has no connection to respiratory infections or croup.

Rotavirus prevents severe gastroenteritis and dehydration, particularly in infants. It is unrelated to any form of croup or upper airway disease.

Neisseria meningitidis causes meningococcal meningitis and sepsis, not respiratory tract infections. While serious, it is not linked to croup or epiglottitis.

While oxygen and monitoring are important, this option fails to include airway maintenance, which is critical in a child showing signs of respiratory distress and cyanosis.

Although reassessment is essential, this option omits oxygen delivery, which is urgently needed due to the child’s cyanosis and increased work of breathing.

Comfort is important but not a priority over airway and effective oxygenation in a child with signs of hypoxia. Comfort does not address airway patency or ventilation.

Anxiety related to separation from the parent: While anxiety is common in hospitalized children, in this case, the airway takes precedence. Emotional comfort is important but not life-threatening.

 Decreased cardiac output related to bradycardia: Bradycardia is not a typical manifestation of epiglottitis; tachycardia may occur due to hypoxia, but the main issue is respiratory, not cardiac output.

 Impaired gas exchange related to noncompliant lungs: The lungs themselves are not the primary site of pathology. The issue lies in the upper airway (epiglottis), not lung compliance.

In epiglottitis, secretions are not decreased; rather, they accumulate because the child cannot swallow, resulting in drooling.

Epiglottitis presents with a high fever and rapid onset of symptoms, not a mild or low-grade fever.

The cough is typically absent in epiglottitis due to severe throat pain and airway obstruction. A spontaneous cough is more characteristic of laryngotracheobronchitis (croup).

Encouraging oral fluids for hydration is contraindicated in epiglottitis. Oral intake increases the risk of aspiration and airway obstruction due to dysphagia and swelling. The child should be NPO (nothing by mouth) until the airway is secure.

The child should be allowed to assume a position of comfort, typically the tripod position, which optimizes airway patency and breathing. Forcing a semi-Fowler’s position may worsen distress.

While droplet precautions are appropriate until the child has received 24 hours of antibiotic therapy, airway management and infection control through treatment are higher priorities. The isolation period depends on clinical progress and provider orders.

Obtain a throat culture immediately: Introducing a swab may stimulate reflex laryngospasm and precipitate total airway blockage. Cultures should only be obtained after the airway is secure.

Place the child in a side-lying position: The child should be allowed to assume a position of comfort (usually sitting upright or tripod position). Forcing another position can increase distress and worsen obstruction.

Use a tongue blade to look inside the throat: This can cause complete airway obstruction. Never use a tongue depressor to inspect the throat of a child suspected of having epiglottitis.

Diphtheria vaccine protects against Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which causes diphtheria, a throat infection that forms a gray pseudomembrane, not epiglottitis.

Measles vaccine prevents Rubeola (measles), a viral illness characterized by cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, and rash, not epiglottitis.

Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) prevents poliomyelitis, a viral disease affecting the nervous system, leading to paralysis, and is not related to Haemophilus influenzae infection or epiglottitis.

IV access is important for medications and fluids but should not delay airway management in a child at risk for obstruction. Furthermore, delay of IV access is often recommended until the airway has been secure since agitating the child could result in laryngeal spasms worsening the condition.

Administer IV ceftriaxone as ordered is essential for treating the underlying infection, but administering them before securing the airway is dangerous if the airway closes.

Prepare the child for a lateral neck radiograph can help confirm diagnosis, but delaying airway intervention to obtain imaging can be fatal. Moving a distressed child could worsen airway compromise.