Moderate

A child has drooling, a muffled voice, high fever, and sits leaning forward to breathe. Which nursing action is safest?

Correct answer: A. Keep the child calm and upright while calling the airway team

  • A. Keep the child calm and upright while calling the airway team
  • B. Inspect the throat with a tongue depressor for swelling
  • C. Lay the child flat and obtain a throat swab immediately
  • D. Encourage oral fluids to soothe the inflamed throat

Explanation

The presentation suggests acute epiglottitis, which can cause sudden complete airway obstruction. Keeping the child upright and calm reduces airway collapse and agitation; throat inspection or forcing the child flat may worsen obstruction.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Paediatric Emergencies

Paediatric emergencies cover rapid assessment using airway, breathing and circulation, basic life support, respiratory distress, choking, shock, seizures, poisoning, burns, severe dehydration and trauma. Questions focus on recognising danger signs, prioritising immediate nursing actions, calculating weight-based treatment and distinguishing compensated from decompensated shock.

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