What should a respiratory therapist recommend for a 5-year-old child with a fever, difficulty breathing, and drooling?

For a 5-year-old child presenting with fever, difficulty breathing, and drooling, the recommendation for a lateral neck radiograph is appropriate due to the potential for acute airway obstruction related to conditions such as epiglottitis or croup. These symptoms often indicate inflammation or swelling in the upper airway, which can lead to airway compromise.

A lateral neck radiograph can help visualize any swelling of the epiglottis or other structures, and it is a useful diagnostic tool in assessing the patency of the airway in pediatric patients. In cases of suspected epiglottitis, timely identification is crucial, as this condition can lead to life-threatening airway obstruction if not addressed.

Additional diagnostic approaches, such as bronchoscopy, may not be immediately indicated in this scenario, especially since it is more invasive and not the first-line assessment for suspected upper airway obstruction. A complete blood count (CBC) can provide information about infection or inflammation but does not directly address the urgent concern for airway patency. Likewise, inspecting the pharyngeal area with a tongue depressor could provoke worsening of the airway obstruction and is generally not recommended in cases where significant swelling is suspected, as it can lead to further distress or injury.

Hence, the lateral