A nurse is assisting with the care of a preschooler who has epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Request an x-ray of the neck.
Monitor urine for protein.
Obtain a nasopharyngeal swab
Administer fluconazole.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Request an x-ray of the neck: In cases of suspected epiglottitis, a lateral neck x-ray can help confirm the diagnosis by showing the classic "thumbprint sign," which indicates swelling of the epiglottis. This is a critical diagnostic step, but it should only be performed in a controlled setting where the child’s airway can be monitored closely. The priority is to avoid any procedures that may cause irritation or further compromise the airway.
B) Monitor urine for protein: Monitoring urine for protein is not relevant to the management of epiglottitis. This condition is related to inflammation and obstruction of the upper airway, and the focus should be on respiratory management rather than renal function.
C) Obtain a nasopharyngeal swab: While obtaining a nasopharyngeal swab can help identify the organism causing an infection (often bacterial), it is not the immediate priority in a child with suspected epiglottitis. The child’s airway is the most critical concern, and diagnostic interventions that could potentially cause further distress or obstruction (such as swabbing) should be avoided until airway management is stable.
D) Administer fluconazole: Fluconazole is an antifungal medication, and its use is not appropriate for epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, particularly Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which requires antibiotic therapy, not antifungals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Inject 15 units of air into the regular insulin vial:
When drawing insulin from both NPH (a long-acting insulin) and regular insulin (a short-acting insulin), the nurse should first inject air into the NPH insulin vial (which is the intermediate-acting insulin) and then inject air into the regular insulin vial. This technique helps to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial with NPH insulin. After injecting air into the regular insulin vial, the nurse would then withdraw the regular insulin first and then the NPH insulin to avoid contamination of the regular insulin with the NPH insulin.
B) Withdraw 10 units of NPH insulin:
This action is premature, as the nurse has not yet injected air into the regular insulin vial. The correct sequence involves injecting air into both vials before withdrawing any insulin. Therefore, withdrawing NPH insulin at this stage is not the correct next step.
C) Verify the dosage with another nurse:
While verifying the insulin dosage with another nurse is a good practice for ensuring medication safety, this action is not the immediate next step after injecting air into the NPH insulin vial. The priority is to follow the correct sequence of air injection into the vials before withdrawing the insulin. Verification can occur after the insulin is drawn.
D) Place the cap over the needle:
Placing the cap over the needle is a safety step that is generally performed after withdrawing the insulin and preparing the injection. However, this is not the next step in the process of mixing or drawing insulin, so it is not the correct action to take at this point.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "The adolescent interrupts the nurse to ask a question": Interrupting is common in adolescents with ADHD, as impulsivity is a characteristic of the disorder. While this behavior can be disruptive, it does not necessarily present a barrier to communication. The adolescent may be seeking clarification, and the nurse can guide them to ask questions at appropriate times.
B) "The adolescent occasionally turns away from the nurse and stares at the wall": This behavior may indicate that the adolescent is distracted or disengaged, but it does not necessarily block communication. It's important for the nurse to assess the adolescent’s attention and attempt to re-engage them if needed.
C) "The adolescent taps on the arm of the chair throughout the conversation": Tapping or other repetitive movements are often seen in individuals with ADHD and can be a significant barrier to effective communication. This behavior can be distracting for both the adolescent and the nurse, making it difficult to maintain focus on the conversation and absorb information. The nurse should address this by encouraging a calmer, more focused posture during discussions.
D) "The adolescent rocks in their chair while speaking with the nurse": Rocking can be a self-soothing behavior or a way to help manage restlessness, common in ADHD. While it can be distracting, it is less likely to be a major barrier to communication than tapping, which may be more intrusive. The nurse should assess if the behavior affects the adolescent’s ability to focus or engage.
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