Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is an inflammation on the epiglottitis. It mah be caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Epiglottitis most frequently occurs in winter in child between age 2 and 5 years. If it is happened, it is consideres as an emergency situation.

Signs and Symptoms:

• High fever
• Sore, red, and inflamed throat
• Drooling
• Absence of spontaneous cough
• Muffled voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Inspiratory stridor
• Agitation
• Tripod positioning

Nursing Interventions:

1. Maintain a patent airway
2. Assess respiratory status and breath sounds (nasal flaring, stridor, using accessory muscles)
3. Avoid assess body temperature by oral route
4. To prevent spasm of the epiglottis and airway occlusion, no attempts should be made to visualize the posterior pharynx or to obtain a throat culture
5. Prepare for lateral neck films to confirm the diagnosis
6. Keep NPO
7. Do not restrain the child
8. Do not leave the child unattended
9. Do not force the child to lie down
10. Administer fluids and antibiotic intravenously as prescribed
11. Administer analgesics and antipyretics as prescribed
12. Provide high humidification to cool the airway and decrease swelling
13. Provide cool-mist oxygen therapy as prescribed
14. Have resuscitation equipment available
15. Prepare for endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy if there is severe respiratory distress
16. Ensure that the child has up-to-date immunization schedule