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Epiglottitis — ABFM Board MCQ

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HardPediatrics and adolescent medicineEpiglottitisABFM Board

A 4-year-old boy has fever, drooling, muffled voice, and refuses to lie down. He is sitting forward and appears anxious. Oxygen saturation is 94% on room air. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Epiglottitis

Fever, drooling, muffled voice, toxic appearance, and tripod positioning suggest epiglottitis. Airway manipulation should be minimized until controlled airway management is available.

Reference: AAP Red Book; Pediatric Airway Emergency Guidance