A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old toddler in the emergency department. Exhibits For each potential assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with Epiglottitis, Respiratory Syncytial virus, or Acute Streptococcal Pharyngitis. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

Fever: Fever is a nonspecific but common symptom found in all three conditions—epiglottitis, RSV, and streptococcal pharyngitis. However, it is more severe and abrupt in epiglottitis and low to moderate in RSV and strep throat. In this case, the toddler has had a persistent fever over 38°C, consistent with both RSV and strep. Exudate on pharynx: Pharyngeal exudate is a hallmark sign of acute streptococcal pharyngitis, resulting from the inflammatory response to GABHS. It is not typical in RSV or epiglottitis, where erythema and swelling may occur but without purulent exudate. Wheezing upon auscultation: Wheezing is a classic sign of RSV, a lower respiratory viral infection leading to bronchiolitis and airway obstruction. It is not a feature of epiglottitis or strep throat, which involve the upper airway and oropharynx, respectively. Drooling: Drooling is strongly associated with epiglottitis, due to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis which makes it painful and difficult to swallow. It is not typical in RSV or strep pharyngitis unless there is severe oral involvement or dehydration. Hypoxia: Hypoxia may occur in both epiglottitis and RSV due to airway obstruction or inflammation compromising oxygenation. In epiglottitis, it results from upper airway narrowing; in RSV, from lower airway inflammation and mucus plugging. It is not common in uncomplicated streptococcal pharyngitis. Tachypnea: Tachypnea is a sign of respiratory distress and is often present in both epiglottitis and RSV, as the body attempts to compensate for impaired gas exchange. It is not a primary feature of strep pharyngitis unless accompanied by systemic infection or high fever.