The goal in treating a child with epiglottitis is to:

• A. Administer bronchodilator and transport.
• B. Transport him or her to the hospital with a maintainable airway.
• C. Place endotracheal tube in the field.
• D. Perform tracheostomy in the field.

Answer: (B)

Airway protection is the priority in suspected epiglottitis because swelling can rapidly progress to complete airway obstruction. The goal is to get the child to a hospital where a maintainable airway can be secured by clinicians with the appropriate equipment and anesthesia support in a controlled setting.

Trying to place an endotracheal tube or performing a tracheostomy in the field carries a high risk of worsening airway obstruction and cannot be guaranteed safe without full monitoring and equipment. Bronchodilators won’t address the swollen epiglottis, so they don’t treat the underlying threat. Focus on keeping the child calm, providing oxygen, and transporting promptly for definitive airway management.