A 46-year-old man presents as triage level 2 with sore throat, fever, muffled voice, drooling, and sitting forward. Oxygen saturation is 94%, and

Question

A 46-year-old man presents as triage level 2 with sore throat, fever, muffled voice, drooling, and sitting forward. Oxygen saturation is 94%, and lateral neck radiograph from urgent care shows an enlarged epiglottis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Prepare controlled airway management in the operating room with ENT and anesthesia

Answer

Perform aggressive tongue-blade examination in triage

Answer

Discharge with oral amoxicillin

Answer

Attempt blind nasotracheal intubation immediately

Answer

Give nebulized racemic epinephrine and no further observation

Adult epiglottitis — ABEM Board MCQ

A 46-year-old man presents as triage level 2 with sore throat, fever, muffled voice, drooling, and sitting forward. Oxygen saturation is 94%, and lateral neck radiograph from urgent care shows an enlarged epiglottis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?