In the case of a child with suspected epiglottitis, what imaging should be recommended?

In a suspected case of epiglottitis, the most appropriate imaging study to recommend is a lateral neck radiograph. This type of imaging is specifically useful for evaluating the airway and can help demonstrate the classic sign associated with epiglottitis, which is the "thumbprint sign." This sign indicates swelling of the epiglottis, a critical concern in managing airway obstruction in these patients.

A lateral neck radiograph provides a clear view of the structures in the neck and allows for visualization of the epiglottis. This is particularly important because timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing complications from airway obstruction in children.

Other imaging modalities, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan of the chest, do not focus on the area of concern for epiglottitis and are not necessary in the initial evaluation. An abdominal ultrasound is not relevant in this context, as it does not provide information about the neck or potential airway obstruction. Thus, the lateral neck radiograph is the most effective choice for assessing epiglottitis in a pediatric patient.