Epiglottitis — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Secure the airway with experienced personnel and avoid upsetting throat examination
Secure the airway with experienced personnel and avoid upsetting throat examination is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Epiglottitis better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to CPS airway emergency guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.
Reference: CPS airway emergency guidance