A nurse is caring for a male client who has a spinal cord injury.
Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when providing perineal care?

Choice A rationale:

Preparing to assist with intubation is the appropriate action for a nurse caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency where the airway can become severely compromised due to inflammation of the epiglottis. Intubation ensures a secure airway, allowing the child to breathe and preventing respiratory distress.

Choice B rationale:

Preparing a cool mist tent is not the priority in suspected epiglottitis. While humidified air can provide comfort for respiratory distress, it does not address the potential for airway obstruction. Intubation takes precedence in this critical situation.

Choice C rationale:

Suctioning the child's oropharynx may worsen the condition in suspected epiglottitis. Suctioning can stimulate the epiglottis, triggering a spasm and further obstructing the airway. Intubation is the primary intervention to secure the airway safely.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining a throat culture is not the immediate action in suspected epiglottitis. While a throat culture may confirm the diagnosis, the priority is securing the airway to prevent respiratory distress and hypoxia.

Choice A rationale:

Consuming foods high in bran fiber can help regulate bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fiber adds bulk to the stool and can prevent constipation, a common symptom in IBS patients. Adequate dietary fiber intake is generally recommended for individuals with IBS.

Choice B rationale:

Increasing intake of foods high in gluten might worsen symptoms in individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Gluten-containing foods can trigger gastrointestinal distress in susceptible individuals and should be avoided if gluten intolerance is present.

Choice C rationale:

Some individuals with IBS are lactose intolerant, which means they have difficulty digesting milk products. Increasing intake of milk products can exacerbate symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea in these individuals. It is important to assess the client's tolerance to lactose-containing foods before recommending their consumption.

Choice D rationale:

Sweetening foods with fructose corn syrup may worsen symptoms in individuals with IBS. Fructose is a type of sugar that can cause gastrointestinal distress in some people, especially those with fructose malabsorption. Recommending sweeteners with low fructose content would be more appropriate for individuals with IBS.