Inspecting a suspected epiglottitis airway
NCLEX-RN glossary · Safety And Infection Prevention And Control
Definition
The contraindicated physical assessment of the throat in a client with signs of epiglottitis (drooling, stridor, tripod position).
Inspecting a suspected epiglottitis airway in plain English
Mechanical irritation of the airway in this state can trigger immediate laryngospasm and total airway obstruction. The tempting mistake is using a tongue blade to visualize the throat to 'confirm' the diagnosis, which is a rule-based safety failure.
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