You have been called to an apartment for a child who is sick. As you approach the 4-year-old boy, you note that he is sitting upright in his mother's arms with his chin thrust forward. He has a sickly appearance and is drooling. His airway appears open and his breathing is adequate. His radial pulse is strong and his skin is hot to the touch. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate in the care of this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child's position (sitting upright with chin thrust forward), appearance (sickly and drooling), and the fact that his airway is open and breathing is adequate suggest he may have epiglottitis or another condition causing upper airway obstruction. In such cases, it's crucial not to distress the child further or manipulate the airway unnecessarily, as this could worsen the obstruction. Providing blow-by oxygen allows for supplemental oxygen without causing additional stress or potentially exacerbating the airway obstruction.

You Have Been Called to an Apartment for a Child