Epiglottitis nursing NCLEX lecture in children (pediatric nursing): symptoms, treatment, causes, and nursing interventions.

What is Epiglottitis?

It is when inflammation of the epiglottis occurs, which can lead to an upper airway obstruction. Epiglottitis is most commonly caused by the bacteria haemophilus influenzae type b in children. In addition, epiglottitis tends to affect children ages 2 to 5 but it can also affect adults.

What is the epiglottis and where is it?

The epiglottis is a hinged piece of cartilage that attaches on the inside of the thyroid cartilage and is found at the back of the tongue.

It closes the entry way to the trachea during swallowing, which prevents food and fluids from migrating into the lungs...hence aspiration.

As a person breathes in and out the epiglottis stays open so air can move in and out of the lungs. Therefore, if the epiglottis becomes inflamed the patient can experience an upper airway obstruction along with issues swallowing/talking etc.

Most cases of epiglottitis can be prevented with the childhood vaccine called HIB. This vaccine is administered at 2, 4, 6, and 1215 months.

Epiglottitis symptoms include: abnormal position to breathe (tripod position), issues swallowing accompanied by drooling, sore throat, abnormal speech, high fever, rapid onset, stridor, absent cough, chest retractions etc.

Epiglottitis nursing interventions include: monitoring airway, AVOID inserting anything in the mouth (thermometer, tongue blade, throat culture etc.)...this can cause spams and restrict airway, keeping patient calm, education about HIB vaccine etc.

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