What precautions are used for epiglottitis?
Wash hands frequently, and avoid placing fingers in the eyes, nose and mouth. Take necessary precautions around people who are coughing and sneezing. Avoid injury to the throat from drinking hot liquids or smoking.
What is the first line of treatment for the child with epiglottitis and severe respiratory distress?
Treatment of epiglottitis is focused on preventing airway obstruction. The first treatment step is to administer high-flow oxygen through a blow-by mask, as tolerated by the child.
How does epiglottis affect breathing?
The location of the epiglottis means that if it swells, it can block the airway. This can cause serious breathing difficulties. For this reason, epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Sometimes, severe epiglottitis can cause the windpipe to close completely so that the person cannot breathe.
What will happen if the epiglottis does not close the entrance of airways?
Should food or liquid enter the airway due to the epiglottis failing to close properly, throat clearing or the cough reflex may occur to protect the respiratory system and expel material from the airway.
What is the nursing priority for a patient with epiglottitis?
If the medical team suspects epiglottitis, the first priority is to ensure that your or your child’s airway is open and that enough oxygen is getting through. The team will monitor your or your child’s breathing and blood oxygen level. If oxygen saturation levels drop too low, you or your child may need help breathing.
What is tripod child position?
The classical signs of ”tripod position” are drooling, stridor, dyspnea, tachypnea and a child sitting forward assuming the sniffing position in order to maximize the airway.
Is epiglottis upper or lower respiratory?
Included in the upper respiratory tract are the Nostrils, Nasal Cavities, Pharynx, Epiglottis, and the Larynx. The lower respiratory tract consists of the Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles, and the Lungs.
How do you close epiglottis?
Begin exhaling through your mouth 2. Stop the air flow by closing your mouth (your cheeks should fill momentarily) 3. Inhale again, and begin exhaling again 4. Stop the air flow by closing the epiglottis.
What is the treatment of choice for epiglottitis?
Ceftriaxone is the antibiotic of choice (DOC) for epiglottitis. This agent is a third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum activity against gram-negative organisms, lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms, and higher efficacy against resistant organisms.
Which nursing intervention is most important to perform before administering digoxin to a child?
Monitor apical pulse for 1 full min before administering. Withhold dose and notify health care professional if pulse rate is <60 bpm in an adult, <70 bpm in a child, or <90 bpm in an infant. Notify health care professional promptly of any significant changes in rate, rhythm, or quality of pulse.
Which is the best position for a child with epiglottitis?
Typical position called the tripod position. The patient prefers to sit up on his or her hands with head leaning slightly forward and tongue sticking out. This position is preferred because it allows maximum air entry into the lungs. A child with suspected epiglottitis should not be laid on his or her back.
What are the signs and symptoms of epiglottitis?
Typical clinical presentation of epiglottitis includes fever and sore throat. Evidence of impending airway obstruction may be demonstrated by muffled voice, drooling, tripod position, and stridor. Radiographs can be helpful in diagnosing epiglottitis; however, they should not supersede or postpone securing the airway.
When to go to the hospital for epiglottitis?
The tripod position may also occur with peritonsillar or retropharyngeal abscess. *Also called viral laryngotracheal bronchitis. The patient is hospitalized if epiglottitis is suspected. Diagnosis requires direct examination, usually with flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy.
What’s the difference between croup and epiglottitis?
Differentiating Epiglottitis From Croup. Epiglottitis is a rapidly progressive bacterial infection of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues that may lead to sudden respiratory obstruction and death. Symptoms include severe sore throat, dysphagia, high fever, drooling, and inspiratory stridor.