A 5-year-old boy presents with fever 39.5°C, toxic appearance, drooling, and tripod posture. He is fully immunised. You suspect epiglottitis. What is ...

Question

A 5-year-old boy presents with fever 39.5°C, toxic appearance, drooling, and tripod posture. He is fully immunised. You suspect epiglottitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Keep him calm, arrange urgent anaesthesiology/ENT involvement and secure airway in a controlled setting

Answer

Attempt oropharyngeal examination with tongue depressor in the clinic

Answer

Obtain lateral neck radiograph before any airway intervention

Answer

Discharge home with oral antibiotics

Answer

Lie him supine and perform vigorous suctioning

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Epiglottitis

A 5-year-old boy presents with fever 39.5°C, toxic appearance, drooling, and tripod posture. He is fully immunised. You suspect epiglottitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management?