Mouth Open in Pediatrics — 5yo Child | Pediatric Emergency | SMLE Q#2817
SMLE Question #2817
Pediatrics
Pediatric Emergency
Objective: OBJ-OPH-REFERRAL-001
Last updated: February 2026
A 5-year-old boy has 10–12 hours of high fever and worsening shortness of breath after sore throat and odynophagia. He looks toxic, sits upright leaning forward with mouth open, drools, has a muffled voice, and refuses to lie down. No stridor is heard while he remains still. Acute upper airway obstruction is a concern. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
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