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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A heart rate of 140/min is not a specific indicator of desmopressin effectiveness in a child with diabetes insipidus. The effectiveness of desmopressin is primarily evaluated based on the reduction in excessive urination and thirst associated with the condition. Monitoring heart rate is essential in certain situations but is not a direct measure of desmopressin efficacy in managing diabetes insipidus.
Choice B rationale:
Cessation of nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) is a significant indication that desmopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, is effective. One of the main symptoms of diabetes insipidus is excessive urination, including during the night, leading to bedwetting. When desmopressin effectively reduces urine production, patients often experience improvement in these symptoms, including the cessation of nocturnal enuresis.
Choice C rationale:
Capillary refill of 3 seconds is a measurement used to assess peripheral perfusion and circulatory status. While it is essential to monitor capillary refill in pediatric patients, especially in cases of dehydration or circulatory compromise, it is not a specific indicator of desmopressin effectiveness in managing diabetes insipidus. Capillary refill time is more relevant in the assessment of cardiovascular function and fluid status.
Choice D rationale:
The absence of hypoglycemic episodes is not a direct indicator of desmopressin effectiveness. Diabetes insipidus is unrelated to blood glucose levels, as it involves the dysregulation of water balance due to insufficient antidiuretic hormone. While it is essential to monitor blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus, it is not relevant to assessing the effectiveness of desmopressin in treating diabetes insipidus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day is the correct choice for a client with a fever due to an infection. Adequate hydration is essential in managing fever as it helps to prevent dehydration, maintain electrolyte balance, and support the body's immune response. Increasing fluid intake, preferably water, can also aid in lowering body temperature and promoting overall comfort.
Choice B rationale:
Maintaining the environmental temperature at 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 65°F) is not an appropriate intervention for a client with a fever. While it's essential to keep the client comfortable, adjusting the room temperature within a specific range is not the primary intervention. Focus should be on managing the fever through hydration, antipyretic medications, and addressing the underlying infection.
Choice C rationale:
Immersing the client in cold water is not a recommended intervention for managing fever. Cold water immersion can lead to shock, vasoconstriction, and potentially worsen the condition. It is essential to use methods like tepid sponging or cooling blankets if necessary, but these interventions should be performed under healthcare provider guidance and monitoring.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client to ambulate is a general nursing care activity and does not specifically address the fever due to infection. While ambulation is encouraged for many patients to prevent complications related to immobility, it is not the primary intervention for managing fever. The focus should be on hydration and other appropriate measures to reduce fever.
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