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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Believes the death is punishment for bad behavior: Preschoolers, typically ages 3 to 5, often engage in magical thinking and may believe that death is a result of their own actions or bad behavior. They may see death as a punishment for something they did wrong, as they have difficulty understanding the permanence and inevitability of death. This egocentric thinking is typical for their developmental stage.
B) Recognizes the parent will never wake up: Preschoolers may not yet fully comprehend the permanence of death. They may think the deceased parent will eventually wake up or return. This belief reflects their limited understanding of death, which they may view as reversible or temporary, especially if they haven't encountered death before.
C) Understands that everyone dies eventually: Preschoolers do not generally have the cognitive ability to grasp the concept that everyone dies eventually. This understanding develops later, typically during the concrete operational stage of development (around age 7 or 8), when children begin to understand death as permanent and universal.
D) Expresses curiosity about the funeral service: While some preschoolers may express curiosity about events like a funeral, it is more likely that their curiosity would be centered on simple, tangible aspects of death (such as asking questions about where the person went or what happens to their body) rather than the ceremony itself. At this stage, children may not fully understand the cultural or symbolic meanings of a funeral service.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Initiate droplet precautions: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is primarily spread through contact with respiratory secretions, and droplet precautions are essential to prevent transmission. While RSV is commonly transmitted via direct contact or droplets, additional precautions like contact precautions may also be required, but droplet precautions should definitely be initiated as part of standard care to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
B) Monitor the preschooler’s urine for protein: Monitoring the urine for protein is not a standard action related to RSV. RSV is a respiratory virus, and its primary symptoms and complications involve the respiratory system, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or respiratory distress. There is no direct link between RSV and proteinuria, so this action is not necessary.
C) Administer fluconazole to the preschooler: Fluconazole is an antifungal medication, and it is not used to treat respiratory syncytial virus. RSV is a viral infection, so antiviral medications or supportive care like oxygen therapy, hydration, and possibly bronchodilators may be more appropriate. Fluconazole would not be appropriate for treating a viral infection like RSV.
D) Request an x-ray of the preschooler’s neck: An x-ray of the neck is generally not indicated for RSV unless there is a specific concern about airway obstruction or another condition like croup, which may present with symptoms similar to RSV. RSV primarily affects the lower respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like wheezing, cough, and difficulty breathing, not necessarily requiring a neck x-ray.
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