Acute epiglottitis is a supraglottic inflammatory process that occurs most commonly in children with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection. Inflammation of the epiglottis can cause airway obstruction and is a medical emergency. Common signs of impending airway obstruction include restlessness, stridor, and drooling due to dysphagia. The nurse should prepare to assist with emergent endotracheal intubation.
(Option 2) If left untreated, the inflamed appendix may rupture, causing peritonitis, major abscess, or partial bowel obstruction. The client with acute appendicitis may require antibiotic administration and emergent surgical appendectomy. Although appendicitis is an emergent condition, a client with impending airway obstruction from epiglottitis must be seen immediately
(Option 3) Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired disorder in which antibodies cause decreased platelet survival and production. Petechiae, pinpoint lesions on the skin from capillary hemorrhages, are a common sign of ITP. Acute ITP usually resolves spontaneously without complications, and management is primarily supportive (eg, platelet monitoring, corticosteroids, IV immunoglobulin).
(Option 4) Cystic fibrosis affects the secretory glands, resulting in thick sputum that may become blood-tinged from frequent coughing. A client with cystic fibrosis who has blood- tinged sputum should be evaluated but is not a priority.
Educational objective: Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening emergency due to possible airway obstruction from severe swelling of the epiglottis. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, stridor, drooling. restlessness, and tripod positioning. The nurse should prepare to assist with emergent endotracheal intubation.
Acute epiglottitis is a supraglottic inflammatory process that occurs most commonly in children with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection. Inflammation of the epiglottis can cause airway obstruction and is a medical emergency. Common signs of impending airway obstruction include restlessness, stridor, and drooling due to dysphagia. The nurse should prepare to assist with emergent endotracheal intubation.
(Option 2) If left untreated, the inflamed appendix may rupture, causing peritonitis, major abscess, or partial bowel obstruction. The client with acute appendicitis may require antibiotic administration and emergent surgical appendectomy. Although appendicitis is an emergent condition, a client with impending airway obstruction from epiglottitis must be seen immediately
(Option 3) Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired disorder in which antibodies cause decreased platelet survival and production. Petechiae, pinpoint lesions on the skin from capillary hemorrhages, are a common sign of ITP. Acute ITP usually resolves spontaneously without complications, and management is primarily supportive (eg, platelet monitoring, corticosteroids, IV immunoglobulin).
(Option 4) Cystic fibrosis affects the secretory glands, resulting in thick sputum that may become blood-tinged from frequent coughing. A client with cystic fibrosis who has blood- tinged sputum should be evaluated but is not a priority.
Educational objective: Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening emergency due to possible airway obstruction from severe swelling of the epiglottis. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, stridor, drooling. restlessness, and tripod positioning. The nurse should prepare to assist with emergent endotracheal intubation.
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