A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a 3-year-old child who has suspected epiglottitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Prepare to assist with intubation.
Prepare a cool mist tent.
Suction the child's oropharynx.
Obtain a throat culture.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Preparing to assist with intubation is the appropriate action for a nurse caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency where the airway can become severely compromised due to inflammation of the epiglottis. Intubation ensures a secure airway, allowing the child to breathe and preventing respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
Preparing a cool mist tent is not the priority in suspected epiglottitis. While humidified air can provide comfort for respiratory distress, it does not address the potential for airway obstruction. Intubation takes precedence in this critical situation.
Choice C rationale:
Suctioning the child's oropharynx may worsen the condition in suspected epiglottitis. Suctioning can stimulate the epiglottis, triggering a spasm and further obstructing the airway. Intubation is the primary intervention to secure the airway safely.
Choice D rationale:
Obtaining a throat culture is not the immediate action in suspected epiglottitis. While a throat culture may confirm the diagnosis, the priority is securing the airway to prevent respiratory distress and hypoxia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C, the system is working properly.
Choice A rationale: The lung has re-expanded is incorrect. If the lung has re-expanded, there would be no tidaling in the water seal chamber, as the pleural space would be restored to its normal negative pressure.Tidaling indicates that there is still air or fluid in the pleural space that needs to be drained
Choice B rationale: There is a loop of tubing below the drainage system is incorrect. A loop of tubing below the drainage system would not cause tidaling in the water seal chamber, but it could cause fluid accumulation in the tubing, which could impair the drainage and increase the risk of infection.The tubing should be straight and free of kinks or loops
Choice C rationale: The system is working properly is correct. Tidaling in the water seal chamber means that the water level rises and falls with the patient’s respirations. This is normal and expected, as it indicates that the chest tube is patent and connected to the pleural space, and that the drainage system is airtight and preventing air or fluid from entering the pleural space.Tidaling should stop when the lung is fully re-expanded or the chest tube is clamped
Choice D rationale: The tubing is partially obstructed by clots is incorrect. If the tubing is partially obstructed by clots, there would be no tidaling in the water seal chamber, as the chest tube would not be able to drain the air or fluid from the pleural space. The water level in the water seal chamber would be stagnant, and the patient may experience respiratory distress.The tubing should be checked regularly for clots and milked gently if needed
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A.Taping the tube to the child's cheek is not a recommended practice. It can cause skin irritation, discomfort, or even accidental removal of the tube. Proper securing of the tube to the abdomen using appropriate devices is the preferred method to prevent dislodgement.
B.Applying lubricant to the site is not necessary or recommended. The gastrostomy tube should be kept clean and dry. If any secretions or debris are present, they should be gently cleaned with mild soap and water, followed by thorough rinsing and drying.
C.Some gastrostomy tubes require an extension set for feeding, especially low-profile devices (e.g., button-type gastrostomy tubes). This extension makes it easier to administer feeds or medications and can be removed afterward. However, this is not typically part of routine site care.
D.Securing the tubing to the child's abdomen helps prevent accidental dislodgement or pulling of the gastrostomy tube. This can be done using appropriate securing devices, such as adhesive dressings or commercially available tube holders, as recommended by the healthcare provider.
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