A nurse is assessing a 6-year-old child with suspected epiglottitis.
The child is leaning forward and has a muffled voice.
Which statement is true regarding the demographics of epiglottitis?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Epiglottitis is not necessarily more common in females than in males.

It can affect both genders equally.

Choice B rationale:

While epiglottitis is more common in children, it primarily affects those between the ages of 2 and 8 years old, not just infants under 1 year old.

Choice C rationale:

There is no significant evidence to suggest that epiglottitis is more prevalent in colder months.

The occurrence of epiglottitis is not strictly related to seasonal changes.

Choice D rationale:

Children between 2 and 8 years old are at higher risk of developing epiglottitis.

This age group is more susceptible due to their smaller airways and less developed immune systems, making them prone to infections like epiglottitis.