Epiglottitis
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
PediatricsRespiratoryInfectious Diseasehigh priorityneeds review
Epiglottitis
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Bacterial infection or inflammation causes swelling of the epiglottis; Hib vaccination lowered classic cases.
- Swollen epiglottis can rapidly obstruct the upper airway.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics by class | IV antibiotics are used after airway is secured or per emergency plan. |
Nursing actions
- Keep the child calm and upright; do not inspect throat with tongue blade if epiglottitis is suspected.
- Call rapid response/provider and prepare controlled airway management.
- Monitor drooling, stridor, tripod position, muffled voice, cyanosis, and exhaustion.
Complications
- Complete airway obstruction
- Respiratory arrest
- Sepsis
NCLEX cues
- Drooling, tripod, dysphagia, distress.
- Do not put anything in the mouth or throat.
- Airway team before routine assessment.
Memory hooks
- Epiglottitis: do not look, call airway help.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Clinical airway assessment
- Blood cultures after stabilization
- Lateral neck imaging only if stable and ordered
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.