A nurse is admitting a child who has acute epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Obtain a throat culture.
Initiate droplet isolation precautions.
Assist the child into a supine position.
Check oxygen saturation every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should initiate droplet isolation precautions when admitting a child who has acute epiglottitis.
Epiglottitis is commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
Choice A is wrong because obtaining a throat culture is not recommended when epiglottitis is suspected, as it can cause further obstruction of the airway.
Choice C is wrong because assisting the child into a supine position can worsen the airway obstruction.
Children with epiglottitis prefer to sit upright with the chin extended and mouth open.
Choice D is wrong because checking oxygen saturation every 4 hours may not be frequent enough for a child with acute epiglottitis who may require continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should first implement droplet precautions for the child.
Bacterial meningitis can be spread through respiratory and throat secretions, so it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
Choice A is wrong because while a lumbar puncture may be necessary for diagnosis, preventing the spread of infection is a higher priority.
Choice C is wrong because while dimming the lights may provide comfort, preventing the spread of infection is a higher priority.
Choice D is wrong because while administering an antipyretic may provide comfort, preventing the spread of infection is a higher priority.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Ataxia is a neurological sign that refers to a lack of muscle coordination and can cause staggering. Inhalation of gasoline vapors can cause symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, facial flushing, coughing or wheezing, staggering, slurred speech, blurry vision and weakness.
Choice B is wrong because Hypothermia is not an answer because hypothermia refers to a dangerously low body temperature and is not a symptom of gasoline inhalation.
Choice C is wrong because Hyperactive reflexes are not an answer because hyperactive reflexes refer to overactive or overresponsive reflexes and are not a symptom of gasoline inhalation.
Choice D is wrong because Pinpoint pupils are not an answer because pinpoint pupils refer to abnormally small pupils and are not a symptom of gasoline inhalation.
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