Your patient is a 6-year-old male who appears very anxious,is using increased effort during expiration,and has a fever.He is wheezing and has a respiratory rate of 34.The patient's skin is very warm and dry.He does not have any cyanosis.The child is drooling and his mother states that he complained of a sore throat and pain on swallowing earlier in the afternoon.Which of the following conditions is most likely causing the patient's distress?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms and presentation strongly suggest a diagnosis of epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which can lead to airway obstruction. The fever, drooling, sore throat, and pain on swallowing are typical symptoms of epiglottitis in children, and the wheezing and increased respiratory effort may be indicative of upper airway obstruction. COPD and cystic fibrosis are chronic respiratory conditions that are unlikely to present in a 6-year-old child, and pneumonia may cause respiratory distress but would not typically cause the other symptoms and signs seen in this case. This patient requires emergency treatment and should be transported to the hospital immediately.

Your Patient Is a 6-Year-Old Male Who Appears Very Anxious,is