Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

What is a key sign of epiglottitis?

1. Dry cough

2. High fever

3. Chest pain

4. Fluid in the lungs

The correct answer is: High fever

High fever is a key sign of epiglottitis, which is an inflammation of the epiglottis that can rapidly become a life-threatening condition. Infections commonly cause epiglottitis, leading to significant swelling and obstruction of the airway, which often accompanies a systemic response to infection. This response manifests as a fever, indicating an active inflammatory process in the body. Recognizing high fever alongside other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, is crucial for diagnosing epiglottitis and initiating prompt treatment to prevent severe complications. Other signs may include drooling, a characteristic "tripod" position where the patient leans forward to breathe easier, and stridor—a high-pitched sound during inhalation due to airway obstruction. The presence of a dry cough or chest pain is less typical in epiglottitis; instead, these might suggest different respiratory issues. Fluid in the lungs points toward pulmonary edema or pneumonia, which are not direct signs of epiglottitis but can relate to other respiratory conditions. Understanding these distinctions helps in the timely identification and management of epiglottitis in clinical settings.