A young patient is experiencing epiglottitis (swelling of the epiglottis). He is working hard to breathe, has stridorous respirations, and is extremely hypoxic. His skin is cyanotic and pulse rapid but strong. Which of the following is most likely causing the poor delivery of oxygen to the cells?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Epiglottitis causes swelling of the epiglottis, which can partially or completely block the airway, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to cells. The patient's symptoms of stridorous respirations, hypoxia, and cyanotic skin all suggest a lack of oxygen reaching the cells, and are consistent with a partial occlusion of the airway. Impaired transfer of O₂ between the lungs and blood or poor function of the heart as a pump may also contribute to poor oxygen delivery, but are not the primary cause in this case. Elevation of the heart rate is a physiological response to the hypoxia and is not directly causing the poor oxygen delivery.

A Young Patient Is Experiencing Epiglottitis (Swelling of the Epiglottis)