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:
Tracheostomy may be necessary in severe cases of epiglottitis where the airway obstruction is life-threatening and cannot be managed with other interventions.
In such cases, creating a surgical airway via tracheostomy can provide a more stable and secure airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation.
However, this option is typically considered when other measures, such as intubation, have failed or are not feasible due to the severity of the obstruction.
Choice B rationale:
Intubation may be required in cases where the airway obstruction is significant, and the child is unable to maintain oxygenation and ventilation adequately.
Intubation allows for mechanical ventilation, ensuring a patent airway and adequate oxygen supply.
However, it is not always the only option and may depend on the severity of the condition and the response to other interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Tracheostomy is more invasive than intubation.
While tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the trachea, intubation involves inserting a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea.
Tracheostomy is considered more invasive because it requires a surgical incision and the placement of a permanent or temporary tracheostomy tube.
Choice D rationale:
Intubation is not always the first choice for airway management in epiglottitis.
The choice of airway management (intubation, tracheostomy, or other interventions) depends on the severity of the airway obstruction, the child's clinical condition, and the healthcare provider's assessment.
Intubation may be chosen if the obstruction is significant and the child cannot maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common bacterium associated with respiratory infections, but it is not the most common causative agent of epiglottitis in children.
Choice B rationale:
Staphylococcus aureus can cause various infections, but it is not the primary causative agent of epiglottitis in children.
Choice C rationale:
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the most common causative agent of epiglottitis in children.
Hib infection can lead to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, causing the characteristic symptoms of epiglottitis, including difficulty swallowing and a muffled voice.
Choice D rationale:
Neisseria meningitidis is a bacterium that can cause meningitis and septicemia, but it is not the main causative agent of epiglottitis.
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