Epiglottitis

• What is epiglottitis?

Life threatening bacterial infection that causes inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis

• What is the epiglottis function?

• It is flap of cartilage in the throat that helps prevent food and liquids from entering the windpipe

How can you prevent epiglottitis from happening?

• Hib vaccine at 2 mo

• What is the onset of epiglottitis?

• Rapid (2-6 hours until complete airway obstruction)

• MEDICAL EMERGENCY

What are the expected findings of epiglottitis?

• Drooling

• Stridor

• Tripod position

• Dysphagia

• Retractions

• High fever

• Sore throat

• Restlessness

• Absence of cough

• Appears toxic and progresses to hypoxia and cyanosis

• What is the nursing care of epiglottitis?

• Protect airway

• Due tongue culture

• Prepare for immediate intubation

• Humidified oxygen

• Continuous pulse oxygen

• Medications

  • IV antibiotics

  • Racemic epinephrine

  • IV corticosteroids

• IVF

• Keep patient calm (AVOID CRYING)

• What type of isolation for epiglottitis?

• Droplet isolation

• What is the acronym AIR RAID?

• Airway inflammation

• Increased pulse

• Restlessness

• Retraction

• Anxiety increased 

• Inspiratory stridor

• Drooling