Epiglottitis Questions And Answers NCLEX
Exam 2022
1. Which statement is correct regarding the role of the epiglottis?
A. This structure prevents food from entering the nasopharynx.
B. The epiglottis helps with vocal cord vibration.
C. After swallowing this structure moves downward to prevent swallowed contents from
entering the trachea.
D. The epiglottis is found in between the vocal folds.
The answer is C. Option A is wrong because this is the role of the uvula (NOT
epiglottis). Option B is wrong because this is the role of the GLOTTIS (not epiglottis).
Option D is where the glottis is found (not epiglottis). The epiglottis is found on the
inside of the thyroid cartilage and is at the back of the tongue.
2. During a 2 month well visit with a patient and her mother you educate the parent on
the most common cause of epiglottitis. You explain to the mother the most common
cause of this condition is the _______________. In addition, you explain _________
can help prevent most cases of this condition?
A. respiratory syncytial virus, palivizumab
B. influenza virus, annual flu shot
C. haemophilus influenzae type b, Hib vaccine
D. rotavirus, RV vaccine
The answer is C. Most common cases of epiglottitis are caused by a bacteria that
attacks the epiglottis called haemophilus influenza type B. The Hib vaccine can be given
, as prevention. Three to four doses are given (depending on the brand used) at 2, 4, 6
months, and 12-15 months.
3. Regarding question 2, what is the recommended preventive administration schedule
for this medication in preventing epiglottitis?
A. 4, 6, 12-15 months and 4-6 years
B. 2, 4, 6, 12-15 months
C. 4, 6 months and 4-6 years
D. 2 and 6 months
The answer is B. The Hib vaccine can prevent most cases of epiglottitis. Three or four
doses are given, depending on the brand used. It is given at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.
4. A 3 year old arrives to the ER. The child has a temperature of 102.4 ‘F, respiratory
rate of 45, and is agitated. The child is diagnosed with epiglottitis. You note the child is
sitting up, positioned forward with chin in the air and the tongue is protruding with the
mouth open. Which nursing intervention below is NOT appropriate for this patient?
A. Assist the patient in a supine position.
B. Keep the child on the parent’s lap during treatments.
C. Keep the child nothing by mouth.
D. Avoid taking a temperature on the patient orally.
The answer is A. Allow the child to be in a position that allows them to breathe and be
comfortable. The child is in the tripod position, which is a common finding with epiglottis.
Placing the child in the supine position is contraindicated because it impedes respiratory
effort. A nursing goal is to keep the child calm (avoid things that cause the child to cry
because this can affect the airway since the epiglottis is inflamed). So, keeping the child
Exam 2022
1. Which statement is correct regarding the role of the epiglottis?
A. This structure prevents food from entering the nasopharynx.
B. The epiglottis helps with vocal cord vibration.
C. After swallowing this structure moves downward to prevent swallowed contents from
entering the trachea.
D. The epiglottis is found in between the vocal folds.
The answer is C. Option A is wrong because this is the role of the uvula (NOT
epiglottis). Option B is wrong because this is the role of the GLOTTIS (not epiglottis).
Option D is where the glottis is found (not epiglottis). The epiglottis is found on the
inside of the thyroid cartilage and is at the back of the tongue.
2. During a 2 month well visit with a patient and her mother you educate the parent on
the most common cause of epiglottitis. You explain to the mother the most common
cause of this condition is the _______________. In addition, you explain _________
can help prevent most cases of this condition?
A. respiratory syncytial virus, palivizumab
B. influenza virus, annual flu shot
C. haemophilus influenzae type b, Hib vaccine
D. rotavirus, RV vaccine
The answer is C. Most common cases of epiglottitis are caused by a bacteria that
attacks the epiglottis called haemophilus influenza type B. The Hib vaccine can be given
, as prevention. Three to four doses are given (depending on the brand used) at 2, 4, 6
months, and 12-15 months.
3. Regarding question 2, what is the recommended preventive administration schedule
for this medication in preventing epiglottitis?
A. 4, 6, 12-15 months and 4-6 years
B. 2, 4, 6, 12-15 months
C. 4, 6 months and 4-6 years
D. 2 and 6 months
The answer is B. The Hib vaccine can prevent most cases of epiglottitis. Three or four
doses are given, depending on the brand used. It is given at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.
4. A 3 year old arrives to the ER. The child has a temperature of 102.4 ‘F, respiratory
rate of 45, and is agitated. The child is diagnosed with epiglottitis. You note the child is
sitting up, positioned forward with chin in the air and the tongue is protruding with the
mouth open. Which nursing intervention below is NOT appropriate for this patient?
A. Assist the patient in a supine position.
B. Keep the child on the parent’s lap during treatments.
C. Keep the child nothing by mouth.
D. Avoid taking a temperature on the patient orally.
The answer is A. Allow the child to be in a position that allows them to breathe and be
comfortable. The child is in the tripod position, which is a common finding with epiglottis.
Placing the child in the supine position is contraindicated because it impedes respiratory
effort. A nursing goal is to keep the child calm (avoid things that cause the child to cry
because this can affect the airway since the epiglottis is inflamed). So, keeping the child
