Epiglottitis NCLEX questions for the pediatric patient. As a nursing student you will want to be familiar with epiglottitis. This condition most commonly affects children rather than adults, and is due to inflammation of the epiglottis. This can lead to respiratory distress and even death if not treated promptly.
Don’t forget to check out more pediatric nursing review and to watch the lecture on epiglottitis before taking the quiz.
Epiglottitis NCLEX Questions
These NCLEX style questions will test your knowledge on the pediatric condition called epiglottitis in preparation for the NCLEX exam.
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Epiglottitis NCLEX Questions
1. Which statement is correct regarding the role of the epiglottis?
A. This structure prevents food from entering the nasopharynx.
B. The epiglottis helps with vocal cord vibration.
C. After swallowing this structure moves downward to prevent swallowed contents from entering the trachea.
D. The epiglottis is found in between the vocal folds.
The answer is C. Option A is wrong because this is the role of the uvula (NOT epiglottis). Option B is wrong because this is the role of the GLOTTIS (not epiglottis). Option D is where the glottis is found (not epiglottis). The epiglottis is found on the inside of the thyroid cartilage and is at the back of the tongue.
2. During a 2 month well visit with a patient and her mother you educate the parent on the most common cause of epiglottitis. You explain to the mother the most common cause of this condition is the _______________. In addition, you explain _________ can help prevent most cases of this condition?
A. respiratory syncytial virus, palivizumab
B. influenza virus, annual flu shot
C. haemophilus influenzae type b, Hib vaccine
D. rotavirus, RV vaccine
The answer is C. Most common cases of epiglottitis are caused by a bacteria that attacks the epiglottis called haemophilus influenza type B. The Hib vaccine can be given as prevention. Three to four doses are given (depending on the brand used) at 2, 4, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
3. Regarding question 2, what is the recommended preventive administration schedule for this medication in preventing epiglottitis?
A. 4, 6, 12-15 months and 4-6 years
B. 2, 4, 6, 12-15 months
C. 4, 6 months and 4-6 years
D. 2 and 6 months
The answer is B. The Hib vaccine can prevent most cases of epiglottitis. Three or four doses are given, depending on the brand used. It is given at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.
4. A 3 year old arrives to the ER. The child has a temperature of 102.4 ‘F, respiratory rate of 45, and is agitated. The child is diagnosed with epiglottitis. You note the child is sitting up, positioned forward with chin in the air and the tongue is protruding with the mouth open. Which nursing intervention below is NOT appropriate for this patient?
A. Assist the patient in a supine position.
B. Keep the child on the parent’s lap during treatments.
C. Keep the child nothing by mouth.
D. Avoid taking a temperature on the patient orally.
The answer is A. Allow the child to be in a position that allows them to breathe and be comfortable. The child is in the tripod position, which is a common finding with epiglottis. Placing the child in the supine position is contraindicated because it impedes respiratory effort. A nursing goal is to keep the child calm (avoid things that cause the child to cry because this can affect the airway since the epiglottis is inflamed). So, keeping the child in the parent’s lap during treatments is appropriate. In addition, NEVER place anything in the patient’s mouth due to the risk of causing spasms which will further constrict the airway.
5. You’re assessing a 4 year old with epiglottitis who just arrived to the pediatric clinic. The child is drooling and has a respiratory rate of 45 breaths per minute. In addition, the child is becoming increasingly apprehensive. Which findings below exhibited by the patient represents an acute upper airway obstruction that requires IMMEDIATE treatment?
A. Stridor
B. Cyanosis
C. Chest retractions
D. Nasal flaring
All the answers are correct. All these findings represent an upper airway obstruction and require immediate treatment.
6. The parents of a 3 year old bring their child to the ER. The parents report the child suddenly developed a fever overnight and has had issues swallowing, which has led to excessive drooling. In addition, the parents explain that the child complains of sore throat, and it is hard to understand the child’s speech because her voice is muffled. Based on this information, your next nursing actions will be? Select all that apply:
A. Assess the child’s temperature orally
B. Obtain a throat culture
C. Count the patient’s respirations
D. Assess the child’s throat for tonsillar exudate
E. Keep the child NPO
The answers are C and E. Based on the patient’s signs and symptoms this may be a case of epiglottitis. Therefore, the nurse should NOT stick anything in the patient’s mouth that could can a spasm (example: taking oral temperature, throat culture, using a tongue depressor etc.) and further block the airway.
7. Select all the signs and symptoms that can present with epiglottitis?
A. Slow onset
B. Difficulty swallowing
C. Drooling
D. High Fever
E. Barking cough
F. Stridor
G. Exudate on Tonsils
H. Crackles
The answers are B, C, D, and F.
8. A 5 year old with acute epiglottitis is intubated for airway management. As the nurse you know that all of the following can be prescribed as treatment for this condition EXCEPT?
A. Intravenous fluids
B. Antipyretics
C. Corticosteroids
D. Cough suppressants
The answer is D. A cough is usually absent in this condition, which is present in croup (laryngotracheobronchitis). Therefore, cough suppressants are not usually ordered for this condition because there is no cough.
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