Question

A nurse employed in an emergency department is instructed to monitor a child diagnosed with epiglottitis. The nurse notes that the child is leaning forward with the chin thrust out. The nurse interprets this finding as indicating:

a) Difficulty swallowing
b) Air hunger
c) Respiratory distress
d) Throat pain

Answer 1

The posture of leaning forward with chin out in a child with epiglottitis is indicative of respiratory distress, where the body is adapting to improve air flow and oxygen intake.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse monitoring a child with epiglottitis who is leaning forward with the chin thrust out is interpreting this posture as a sign of respiratory distress. This position, often referred to as the "tripod position," is a natural response to trying to open the airway as much as possible to improve breathing. Such a body language in a child with epiglottitis—a serious inflammatory condition involving the epiglottis which can obstruct the airway—indicates that the air flow to the lungs is compromised.

Symptoms of epiglottitis can include difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, wheezes or stridor, hoarseness, and pain with swallowing. In advanced cases, respiratory distress can lead to air hunger, where the body instinctively adopts postures that facilitate greater oxygen intake. While throat pain can be a symptom of epiglottitis, the present stance of leaning forward with the chin out is specifically a compensatory mechanism for managing airway restriction and thus is most indicative of respiratory distress.