Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI Quizlet Related

Review Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI Quizlet related questions and content

What could suddenly occur in a child with acute epiglottitis?

  • A. Increased carbon dioxide levels
  • B. Airway obstruction
  • C. Inability to swallow
  • D. Bronchial collapse
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In acute epiglottitis, the infected epiglottis becomes inflamed and can lead to sudden airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening emergency. This can cause difficulty breathing and necessitates immediate intervention to secure the airway. Increased carbon dioxide levels may occur due to inadequate ventilation resulting from airway obstruction, but the primary concern is the obstruction itself, not the carbon dioxide levels. Inability to swallow may be present due to pain and swelling in the throat but is not the immediate life-threatening complication associated with acute epiglottitis. Bronchial collapse is not a typical consequence of acute epiglottitis.