A 4-year-old boy presents to the Emergency Department with a 2-day history of fever, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. On examination, he is sit...

Question

A 4-year-old boy presents to the Emergency Department with a 2-day history of fever, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. On examination, he is sitting upright, drooling, and looks unwell. His temperature is 39.2°C, respiratory rate is 30/min with soft stridor. What is the most important initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Secure the airway under controlled conditions (anaesthetics/ENT)

Answer

Administer nebulised adrenaline

Answer

Attempt visualisation of the epiglottis with a tongue depressor

Answer

Administer IV dexamethasone

Answer

Perform a lateral neck X-ray

mrcem sba MCQ (SBA): Acute Epiglottitis