A nurse is admitting a child who has suspected epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer 0,9% sodium chloride IV solution.
Assist with obtaining an x-ray of the child's neck
Initiate IV antibiotics.
Place the child on droplet precautions
The Correct Answer is D
A. Administer 0.9% sodium chloride IV solution: Although IV fluids might be necessary to maintain hydration and circulation, this is not the priority over preventing the spread of infection.
B. Assist with obtaining an x-ray of the child's neck. Imaging can help confirm the diagnosis but should be done after ensuring infection control measures.
C. Initiate IV antibiotics. Antibiotics are crucial for treatment but should follow the implementation of droplet precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
D. Place the child on droplet precautions.
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency primarily caused by bacterial infections, such as Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). The first priority is to ensure the safety of both the patient and others by preventing the spread of infection. Placing the child on droplet precautions helps to contain the bacteria and protect healthcare workers and other patients.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Changes in the voice signal the beginning of puberty.
Explanation: Changes in the voice, specifically deepening, are associated with puberty, but they typically occur later in puberty. The voice change is related to the growth of the larynx (Adam's apple) and tends to happen after other physical changes.
B. Gynecomastia commonly occurs during late puberty.
Explanation:
Gynecomastia, the development of breast tissue in males, is a common occurrence during puberty. It is often temporary and tends to happen during late puberty. The enlargement of breast tissue can be a source of concern for adolescent boys, and providing information about the normalcy and temporary nature of gynecomastia can be reassuring for both parents and boys.
C. Puberty might be delayed if scrotal changes have not occurred by the age of 11 years.
Explanation: The timing of pubertal changes can vary among individuals. While certain age ranges are provided as general guidelines, the absence of scrotal changes by a specific age does not necessarily indicate delayed puberty. Puberty is a gradual process with individual variations.
D. Growth spurts in height occur toward the end of midpuberty.
Explanation: Growth spurts in height, known as the adolescent growth spurt, typically occur during midpuberty. This phase is marked by rapid growth in height, changes in body composition, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Coughing spells may be triggered by dust or smoke:
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Irritants like dust or smoke can trigger coughing spells in a child recovering from pertussis.
B. We need to maintain droplet precautions and a quiet environment for at least 2 weeks.
Correct Answer: Pertussis is highly contagious during the catarrhal and paroxysmal stages, but once the child has reached the convalescent stage (usually after 2-4 weeks of illness), the risk of spreading the infection decreases significantly. Continuing strict droplet precautions and a quiet environment for two weeks after the convalescent stage is not necessary.
C. "We need to encourage our child to drink fluids":
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Encouraging fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration, especially during coughing spells.
D. Vomiting may occur when our child has coughing episodes:
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Vomiting can be a common occurrence during coughing episodes in pertussis due to the forceful nature of the cough. Parents should be aware of this symptom.

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