An 8-year-old is admitted with a sore throat, drooling, muffled phonation, high pitched-sound upon breathing (stridor), and a temperature of 102°F. The nurse should immediately notify the doctor because the child’s symptoms are suggestive of:
A. Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
B. Subglottic hemangioma
C. Sinusitis
D. Epiglottitis
Correct Answer: D. Epiglottitis
Option D: The child’s symptoms are consistent with those of epiglottitis, an infection of the upper airway that can result in total airway obstruction.
Option A: Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a rare lung disease that is caused by a defect in cilia (hair-like projections that are responsible for expelling foreign materials such as mucous) resulting in respiratory problems such as excessive mucus, chronic wheezing, cough, and nasal congestion.
Option B: Subglottic hemangioma is the formation of large masses in the airway causing airway obstructions. Typically symptoms include croup-like cough, difficulty breathing, and stridor.
Option C: Sinusitis is the inflammation of the tissue that lines the sinuses that cause postnasal drip, runny nose, pain, and tenderness around the face, and nasal congestion.