Which is the nurse's best response to the parent of a child diagnosed with epiglottitis who asks what the treatment will be?

• A. Administer oxygen as needed.
• B. Perform a throat culture.
• C. Keep the child calm and on the parent's lap.
• D. Obtain lateral neck radiograph.

Answer: (C)

Epiglottitis is a medical emergency where the airway can deteriorate rapidly if the child becomes distressed. The most important thing you can do for the parent is to minimize agitation, since crying or rough handling can provoke laryngospasm and worsen airway obstruction. Saying that the child should be kept calm and held on the parent’s lap achieves this, providing reassurance while reducing stimulation that could threaten the airway.

Other actions could worsen the situation or delay care. Manipulating the throat, such as attempting a throat culture, can trigger gagging or coughing and potentially provoke airway compromise. Radiographs are not immediately helpful and can delay securing the airway. Oxygen may be needed, but it doesn’t address the critical need to keep the child calm and protect the airway. Definitive care focuses on airway management in a controlled setting plus antibiotics and supportive monitoring.