Manifestations
Name the 4 D's
Drooling, dysphonia, dysphagia, distress
What is the causative agent?
HIB
What is the easiest way to prevent this?
HIB vaccination
What is contraindicated during examination of this patient?
Visualizing the airway using a tongue depressor
T or F: epiglottitis has a slow onset that takes multiple days to occur
False
How is it diagnosed?
Lateral neck x-ray
What age group is this most common in?
2-5 years old
What position is contraindicated in a patient with epiglottitis?
Supine
What position might the patient assume to ease breathing?
Tripod
Where is the infection located?
Supraglottic
True or false: It is okay to stop antibiotics as long as all the symptoms have subsided and the child is having no difficulty breathing.
True or false: The nurse should work quickly, efficiently, and calmly to prevent upsetting the child
True
What is the primary intervention in caring for a patient with epiglottitis?
A. start IV antibiotic drip
B. ensure availability of emergency airway equipment
C. assess degree of swelling
D. keep the patient flat to ease breathing
B
Which of the following are symptoms of epiglottitis? SATA
a. lack of spontaneous cough
b. productive cough
c. rhinorrhea
d. agitation
e. tongue out
f. drooling
g. lack of sore throat
a, d, e, f
Which treatment should the nurse question in a patient with epiglottitis?
a. throat culture
b. IV antibiotics
c. antipyretics
d. NS
a