Question

The nurse is caring for a child with epiglottitis. What are three expected findings?

a) Bradycardia
b) Inspiratory stridor
c) Decreased respiratory effort
d) Elevated body temperature

Answer 1

Children with epiglottitis typically present with inspiratory stridor, elevated body temperature, and increased respiratory effort, which are indicative of upper airway obstruction and infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that involves inflammation of the epiglottis, which can obstruct the airway. The expected findings in a child with epiglottitis include:

• Inspiratory stridor: A high-pitched sound when breathing in, due to obstruction at the level of the vocal cords or larynx.
• Elevated body temperature: Fever is common due to the infection causing the inflammation.
• Increased respiratory effort: The child may exhibit signs of working harder to breathe because of airway narrowing.

Options such as bradycardia and decreased respiratory effort are not typical for epiglottitis and could indicate other healthcare issues.