Epiglottits

Question 1

What is the preceding illness in spasmodic croup?

Answer 1

None or minimal coryza.

Question 2

What is the preceding illness in epiglottitis?

Answer 2

None or mild upper respiratory infection.

Question 3

What age group is usually affected by spasmodic croup?

Answer 3

3 months to 3 years.

Question 4

What age group is usually affected by epiglottitis?

Answer 4

1–8 years.

Question 5

What is the onset of spasmodic croup?

Answer 5

Usually sudden, often at night.

Question 6

What is the onset of epiglottitis?

Answer 6

Rapid (within hours).

Question 7

What is the fever pattern in spasmodic croup?

Answer 7

Variable.

Question 8

What is the fever pattern in epiglottitis?

Answer 8

High.

Question 9

Are barking cough and hoarseness present in spasmodic croup?

Answer 9

Yes.

Question 10

Are barking cough and hoarseness present in epiglottitis?

Answer 10

No.

Question 11

Is dysphagia present in spasmodic croup?

Answer 11

No.

Question 12

Is dysphagia present in epiglottitis?

Answer 12

Yes.

Question 13

Is toxic appearance present in spasmodic croup?

Answer 13

No.

Question 14

Is toxic appearance present in epiglottitis?

Answer 14

Yes.

Question 15

What is the cause of spasmodic croup?

Answer 15

Viral.

Question 16

What is the cause of epiglottitis?

Answer 16

Haemophilus influenzae type B.

Question 17

What is epiglottitis?

Answer 17

Inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis.

Question 18

What has made epiglottitis rare?

Answer 18

Routine Hib vaccination for infants.

Question 19

Epiglottitis cases often occur in which children?

Answer 19

Under vaccinated or unvaccinated children.

Question 20

What organisms may cause epiglottitis?

Answer 20

Staph aureus (including MRSA), Strep pneumoniae, and Group A Strep.

Question 21

What does therapeutic management focus on in epiglottitis?

Answer 21

Airway maintenance and support.

Question 22

What type of antibiotic therapy is necessary?

Answer 22

Intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Question 23

Where is epiglottitis managed?

Answer 23

In the intensive care unit.

Question 24

What may occur if the airway becomes completely occluded?

Answer 24

Respiratory arrest and death.

Question 25

What are common onset findings in epiglottitis?

Answer 25

Sudden onset, high fever, toxic appearance.

Question 26

What voice changes may occur in epiglottitis?

Answer 26

May refuse to speak or only a very soft/muffled voice.

Question 27

What positioning is common in epiglottitis?

Answer 27

Refuses to lie down; sits leaning forward with neck extended (tripod).

Question 28

What secretions are commonly seen in epiglottitis?

Answer 28

Drooling.

Question 29

What emotional state may be observed in epiglottitis?

Answer 29

Anxious/frightened affect.

Question 30

What should be assessed regarding color?

Answer 30

Pallor or cyanosis.

Question 31

Is cough usually present in epiglottitis?

Answer 31

No, cough usually absent.

Question 32

When may imaging be performed?

Answer 32

Only if the airway is stable.

Question 33

How should imaging be performed?

Answer 33

Cautiously, upright, with minimal neck movement to avoid precipitating obstruction.

Question 34

Should the throat be visualized in suspected epiglottitis?

Answer 34

No.

Question 35

Should the child be left unattended?

Answer 35

No.

Question 36

Should the child be placed in a supine position?

Answer 36

No.

Question 37

How should oxygen be provided?

Answer 37

Provide 100% oxygen in the least invasive manner.

Question 38

What may be necessary if complete airway occlusion occurs?

Answer 38

Tracheostomy.

Question 39

What must be ensured during management?

Answer 39

Emergency equipment is available.

Question 40

What symptoms characterize epiglottitis requiring preparation for sudden airway occlusion?

Answer 40

Dysphagia, drooling, anxiety, irritability, and significant respiratory distress.