10 Hours Of High in Pediatrics — 5yo Child | Pediatric Emergency | SMLE Q#16646
SMLE Question #16646
Pediatrics
Pediatric Emergency
Objective: OBJ-OPH-REFERRAL-001
Last updated: February 2026
A 5-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department with 10 hours of high fever and shortness of breath. Since yesterday, he has had a severe sore throat and painful swallowing. He looks toxic, sits leaning forward with his mouth open, drools saliva, has a muffled voice, and refuses to lie down. He has marked respiratory distress with suprasternal retractions. Oropharyngeal examination with a tongue depressor is avoided. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
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