A nurse is caring for a child who has a tracheostomy. After suctioning the tracheostomy, which of the following findings should the nurse use to determine that the procedure was effective?

Choice A reason: Epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue that covers the entrance to the trachea. It can block the airway and cause respiratory distress. The signs and symptoms of epiglottitis include drooling, dysphagia, dysphonia, high fever, and tripod position. Epiglottitis is rare in infants and more common in children aged 2-6 years.

Choice B reason: Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation and mucus production in the bronchioles, the smallest airways in the lungs. It can impair gas exchange and cause respiratory distress. The signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, wheezing, tachypnea, retractions, and apneic spells. Bronchiolitis is common in infants and children under 2 years of age, especially during the winter months.

Choice C reason: Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion. Influenza can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and sinusitis. Influenza is common in children and adults of all ages, especially during the flu season.

Choice D reason: Croup is a viral infection that causes inflammation and narrowing of the larynx and trachea. It can cause a characteristic barking cough, hoarseness, stridor, and respiratory distress. Croup is common in children aged 6 months to 3 years, especially during the fall and winter months.

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as giving an oral rehydration solution to an infant who is projectile vomiting may worsen the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The nurse should advise the parent to stop feeding the infant and seek medical attention.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as burping the baby more frequently during feedings may not prevent the projectile vomiting, which is caused by a mechanical obstruction of the stomach, not by air swallowing. The nurse should assess the parent for signs of pyloric stenosis, such as a palpable olive-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as bringing the baby in to the clinic today is the best course of action for an infant who is projectile vomiting, which is a sign of a serious condition such as pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the opening between the stomach and the small intestine. The nurse should inform the parent that the infant needs immediate evaluation and treatment to prevent complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, and metabolic alkalosis.

Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as trying switching to a different formula may not help the infant who is projectile vomiting, which is not related to the type of formula, but to a structural problem in the gastrointestinal tract. The nurse should not suggest changing the formula without consulting the provider.