Study for the Florida State Paramedic Exam with essential tips and guidance. Understand the exam format, the topics covered, and practice with expertly designed questions to ace your test.

Practice this question and more.


What are symptoms of epiglottitis?

  1. Dry cough and wheezing

  2. High fever and drooling

  3. Chest pain and shortness of breath

  4. Mucus production and fever

The correct answer is: High fever and drooling

High fever and drooling are classic symptoms of epiglottitis, which is an inflammation of the epiglottis, often caused by infection. The high fever indicates a systemic response to infection, common in conditions affecting the airway. Drooling occurs as a result of difficulty swallowing, which is a characteristic symptom in patients with epiglottitis due to swelling and obstructed airflow making it painful to swallow. This combination of symptoms is particularly concerning and indicative of the potential for airway obstruction, which is a critical condition requiring immediate medical attention. In contrast, dry cough and wheezing are more commonly associated with conditions like asthma or bronchitis, chest pain and shortness of breath may suggest cardiac issues or severe respiratory problems, and mucus production and fever could be seen in a variety of respiratory infections but lack the specific association with epiglottitis.