The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child diagnosed with H.influenzae type B.Which signs and symptoms exhibited by the child would alert the nurse to suspect epiglottitis?

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H.influenzae type B and most often occurs in children 3 to 6 years of age.It can occur in any season.The course is rapid and progressive.The onset of epiglottitis is abrupt,and the child presents with classic symptoms.The child insists on sitting up,leans forward with the mouth open,and drools saliva because of the difficulty in swallowing.The child appears wide-eyed,anxious,and restless,and he or she may emit a froglike croaking sound on inspiration.Cough is absent.Inspection of the throat shows an enlarged,reddened edematous epiglottis much like a "beefy-red thumb." However,the examining tongue blade may trigger a laryngospasm and result in sudden respiratory arrest.

The Nurse Is Caring for a 4-Year-Old Child Diagnosed with H.influenzae