Manifestations
Name the 4 D's
Drooling, dysphonia, dysphagia, distress
TRUE!
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.
False
What is contraindicated during examination of this patient?
Visualizing the airway using a tongue depressor
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
T or F: epiglottitis has a slow onset that takes multiple days to occur
False!
Remember, Epiglottitis is rapid!
How is it diagnosed?
Lateral neck x-ray
What age group is this most common in?
A) 3 months
B) 2-5 years old
C) 9-12 years old
B) 2-5 years old
What position is contraindicated in a patient with epiglottitis?
Supine
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
What position might the patient assume to ease breathing?
Tripod
True or false: A child with Epiglottitis will have a high pitched cough?
FALSE!
Remember, if there’s an upper airway obstruction, there’s no air going in or out, so this means the patient won’t and can’t have a cough.
What is the easiest way to prevent Epiglottitis ?
HIB vaccination
True or false: The nurse should work quickly, efficiently, and calmly to prevent upsetting the child
True
Which treatment should the nurse question in a patient with epiglottitis?
a. throat culture
b. IV antibiotics
c. antipyretics
d. NS
a