طفل عمره ٤ سنوات غير مكتمل التطعيمات، ارتفعت حرارته فجأة إلى ٣٩٫٦ خلال ساعات. يجلس منحنياً للأمام ورقبته ممدودة، ويسيل لعابه، ولا يستطيع البلع، وصوته مكتوم، والتنفس ٣٤. أي إجراء يجب تجنبه؟

An incompletely vaccinated 4-year-old developed a fever of 39.6 °C within hours. He sits leaning forward with neck extended, drooling, unable to swallow, with a muffled voice; RR 34. Which action must be avoided?

1. Preparing airway equipment
2. Examining the throat with a tongue depressor
3. Notifying the physician at once
4. Keeping him calm on his mother’s lap

Answer: B) Examining the throat with a tongue depressor. This suggests epiglottitis, and instrumenting the throat can trigger spasm and complete obstruction. Keep the child calm in his position of comfort and secure the airway in a controlled setting.