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Epiglottitis — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

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HardRespiratoryEpiglottitisMRCPCH FOP

A 3-year-old girl is febrile, drooling and sitting forward with muffled speech. She has inspiratory noise, no barking cough and becomes more distressed when staff try to examine her throat. What is the most appropriate management?

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

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Correct answer: E — Call senior anaesthetic and ENT help while keeping the child calm

Drooling, toxic appearance, muffled voice and tripod positioning suggest epiglottitis or a dangerous supraglottic infection, so senior airway support is the priority. Throat examination can precipitate complete obstruction and should be avoided. Imaging must not delay airway management in an unstable child. The pearl is that absence of a barking cough should prompt consideration of diagnoses other than croup.

Reference: APLS; NICE CKS Sore throat acute