Ivytech Community college Lawrence campus paediatric exam
Ivytech Community college Lawrence campus paediatric exam ( 38 Questions)
The nurse is assessing a child with acute epiglottitis. Examining the child’s throat by using a tongue depressor might precipitate which symptom or condition?
Sore throat:A sore throat is a common symptom of various respiratory tract infections, including acute epiglottitis. However, examining the throat with a tongue depressor is unlikely to directly precipitate a sore throat in this context.
Complete obstruction:Examining the child's throat with a tongue depressor in acute epiglottitis can potentially trigger spasm or swelling of the already inflamed epiglottis, leading to a rapid and complete obstruction of the airway. This is a critical concern and is why healthcare providers approach suspected cases of epiglottitis with great caution.
Inspiratory stridor:
Inspiratory stridor (high-pitched sound during inhalation) is a common symptom of upper airway obstruction, including in conditions like acute epiglottitis. It may be present without manipulation, but using a tongue depressor in the throat could exacerbate this symptom.
Respiratory tract infection:Acute epiglottitis is indeed a type of respiratory tract infection. However, examining the throat with a tongue depressor is not likely to directly precipitate a respiratory tract infection.
A. Sore throat:
A sore throat is a common symptom of various respiratory tract infections, including acute epiglottitis. However, examining the throat with a tongue depressor is unlikely to directly precipitate a sore throat in this context.
B. Complete obstruction:
Examining the child's throat with a tongue depressor in acute epiglottitis can potentially trigger spasm or swelling of the already inflamed epiglottis, leading to a rapid and complete obstruction of the airway. This is a critical concern and is why healthcare providers approach suspected cases of epiglottitis with great caution.
C. Inspiratory stridor:
Inspiratory stridor (high-pitched sound during inhalation) is a common symptom of upper airway obstruction, including in conditions like acute epiglottitis. It may be present without manipulation, but using a tongue depressor in the throat could exacerbate this symptom.
D. Respiratory tract infection:
Acute epiglottitis is indeed a type of respiratory tract infection. However, examining the throat with a tongue depressor is not likely to directly precipitate a respiratory tract infection.