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 B
Explanation
A) "Tape the tube to the child's cheek."
Taping the tube to the child's cheek is not appropriate for securing a gastrostomy enteral tube. The tube should be securely anchored to the child's abdomen to prevent dislodgment or irritation. Taping to the cheek can lead to unnecessary friction or skin breakdown.
B) "Secure the tubing to the child's abdomen."
The proper method to secure a gastrostomy tube is to anchor the tubing to the child’s abdomen with a specialized securing device or adhesive bandage. This ensures the tube remains in place, minimizing movement and preventing irritation or accidental removal. Proper securing also promotes comfort and safety for the child.
C) "Apply water-soluble lubricant to the site."
Water-soluble lubricant should not be applied directly to the gastrostomy site. This can cause irritation or create a barrier that inhibits proper healing. Instead, the site should be kept clean and dry, with appropriate care to prevent infection or breakdown.
D) "Attach an extension tube to the site's opening prior to use."
While attaching an extension tube may be necessary for feeding or drainage, this action is not related to site care. The focus of site care is to ensure the gastrostomy tube remains securely in place, and the skin around the site is maintained without infection or irritation. Extension tubes are used for feeding or medication administration, not for routine site care.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
The client reports joint pain in the knee and wrist with a history of gout in the family. The elevated uric acid level (7.2 mg/dL) supports a diagnosis of gout, a condition caused by uric acid crystal deposition in the joints. The negative ANA and normal ESR make inflammatory autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus unlikely.
Actions to Take:
Instruct the client to avoid foods high in purines.
Purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, shellfish, organ meats) contribute to increased uric acid production, exacerbating gout symptoms. Dietary modifications can help reduce flare-ups and long-term complications.
Instruct the client to apply topical analgesics.
Topical analgesics can provide localized pain relief and reduce discomfort in affected joints. They serve as an adjunct to systemic medications in managing acute symptoms.
Parameters to Monitor:
Uric acid levels.
Monitoring uric acid levels helps assess the effectiveness of dietary changes and medications in preventing flare-ups and reducing joint damage.
Joint deformities.
Chronic gout can lead to joint destruction and tophi formation, so assessing for deformities helps track disease progression and the need for further interventions.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
