The nurse is assessing a child with epiglottitis in the emergency department. The child has a sore throat and is drooling. Examining the child's throat using a tongue depressor might precipitate which of the following?

Choice A reason: Respiratory tract infection is not a correct answer because it is not a complication of examining the child's throat. It is a possible cause of epiglottitis, which is an inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap that covers the entrance to the trachea.

Choice B reason: Sore throat is not a correct answer because it is not a complication of examining the child's throat. It is a symptom of epiglottitis, along with fever, difficulty swallowing, and drooling.

Choice C reason: Complete airway obstruction is the correct answer because it is a life-threatening complication of examining the child's throat. The tongue depressor can trigger a spasm of the epiglottis, which can block the airway and cause respiratory distress or arrest.

Choice D reason: Inspiratory stridor is not a correct answer because it is not a complication of examining the child's throat. It is a sign of upper airway obstruction, which can occur in epiglottitis, but it is not caused by the tongue depressor.

Choice A reason: Emancipation is the legal process of granting a minor the rights and responsibilities of an adult. It is not related to the process of obtaining agreement from a child for medical treatment or research.

Choice B reason: Informed consent is the process of obtaining permission from a competent individual for medical treatment or research, after providing them with adequate information about the risks and benefits. It is not applicable to children who are not legally capable of giving consent.

Choice C reason: Assent is the process of obtaining agreement from a child for medical treatment or research, after explaining the procedures and outcomes in a developmentally appropriate way. It is an ethical requirement for involving children in health care decisions that affect them.

Choice D reason: Confidentiality is the principle of protecting the privacy of personal information of patients or research participants. It is not the same as obtaining agreement from a child for medical treatment or research.