A client is brought to the emergency room with suspected epiglottitis.
The client is drooling saliva and has difficulty swallowing.
Which statement accurately describes the pathophysiology of epiglottitis?
"Epiglottitis causes the epiglottis to shrink and recede into the throat.”..
"The inflammation in epiglottitis primarily affects the vocal cords.”..
"Epiglottitis leads to increased airway resistance and respiratory distress.”..
"The swelling in epiglottitis is limited to the vocal cord area.”..
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Epiglottitis does not cause the epiglottis to shrink and recede into the throat.
Instead, it leads to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, causing airway obstruction.
Choice B rationale:
The inflammation in epiglottitis does not primarily affect the vocal cords.
It specifically affects the epiglottis, a flap-like structure located at the base of the tongue, which covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the windpipe.
Choice C rationale:
Epiglottitis leads to increased airway resistance and respiratory distress due to the swelling and obstruction of the airway.
This can result in difficulty swallowing, drooling, and a muffled voice, as seen in the client's symptoms described in the question.
Choice D rationale:
The swelling in epiglottitis is not limited to the vocal cord area.
It involves the epiglottis, which can obstruct the airway and cause respiratory distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should monitor for signs of adrenal insufficiency and hyperglycemia as potential side effects of corticosteroid therapy.
Corticosteroids can suppress the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal insufficiency, which can manifest as weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain.
Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels) is a common side effect of corticosteroids and can worsen diabetes or predispose non-diabetic individuals to high blood sugar levels.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased oxygen saturation levels are not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy.
Corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation, which can actually improve oxygenation in conditions like epiglottitis by reducing airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale:
Allergic reactions to corticosteroids are possible, but they are relatively rare.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
While allergic reactions are a concern with any medication, they are not the primary side effect that nurses should monitor for when administering corticosteroids.
Choice D rationale:
Increased sensitivity to antibiotics is not a known side effect of corticosteroid therapy.
Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation, but they do not affect the body's sensitivity to antibiotics.
Antibiotic effectiveness is determined by factors such as the specific antibiotic used, the type of bacteria causing the infection, and antibiotic resistance patterns.
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection is a significant risk factor for epiglottitis in children.
Hib vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of epiglottitis caused by this bacterium.
Choice B rationale:
Trauma to the throat or neck is not a common risk factor for epiglottitis.
The primary cause is bacterial infection, especially by Hib bacteria.
Choice C rationale:
Thermal injury from hot liquids can lead to thermal epiglottitis, a rare condition caused by the inhalation of hot steam or liquid, resulting in inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis.
Choice D rationale:
Seasonal factors are not a direct risk factor for epiglottitis.
The condition is primarily caused by bacterial infections and is not significantly influenced by seasonal changes.
Choice E rationale:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is not a common cause of epiglottitis.
Bacterial infections, especially Hib, are the primary culprits in pediatric cases of epiglottitis.
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