Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
The nurse is assessing a 2-year-old client with symptoms of excessive drooling, respiratory distress, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty speaking.Based on these assessment findings, which conditions does the nurse suspect?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Epiglottitis. The nurse suspects this condition based on assessment findings such as rapid onset of high fever, drooling, dysphagia, and sitting in a tripod position. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency due to potential airway compromise. Other choices are less likely because croup typically presents with a barking cough and inspiratory stridor; bronchiolitis with wheezing and respiratory distress; and laryngotracheobronchitis with gradual onset of symptoms and a harsh cough.