A nurse is caring for a preschool-aged child who presents with manifestations of epiglottitis. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority to perform?
Insert an intravenous catheter
Initiate droplet precautions
Provide blow-by humidified oxygen for the child
Place resuscitation equipment at child's bedside
The Correct Answer is D
D. Place resuscitation equipment at the child's bedside. This is because epiglottitis can lead to a life- threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention, and having resuscitation equipment readily available is essential for rapid response.
A. Establishing intravenous access may be necessary for administering fluids and medications but it is not the nurse's priority action when caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis.
B. Droplet precautions help reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory pathogens to others. However, the priority is to address the child's respiratory distress and potential airway compromise.
C. Providing blow-by humidified oxygen can be beneficial in managing the child's respiratory status. However, securing the airway takes precedence over other interventions, as indicated by the guidelines for managing epiglottitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Suctioning equipment and oxygen are essential items to have at the bedside for seizure precautions. Seizures can sometimes be associated with airway compromise, excessive secretions, or respiratory distress. Having suctioning equipment readily available allows for prompt removal of oral or airway secretions if necessary. Oxygen may be needed to support oxygenation during or after a seizure, especially if there are concerns about respiratory depression or hypoxemia.
A. A tracheotomy set is not typically needed at the bedside for seizure precautions. Tracheotomy sets are used in emergency situations to establish a surgical airway if there is a severe airway obstruction or respiratory distress.
B. An emergency cart contains essential supplies and medications needed for emergency situations, including resuscitation equipment, medications, and supplies for managing various medical emergencies. However, the cart is not placed bedside.
C. A padded tongue blade is not typically needed at the bedside for seizure precautions. Tongue blades are sometimes used during airway management to help visualize and manipulate the tongue, but padded tongue blades are not routinely included in seizure precautions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Leaning forward with the chin thrust out, often described as the "sniffing position," is a classic sign of airway obstruction, particularly in cases of epiglottitis. This positioning helps to maximize airway patency by opening the airway and reducing the risk of further obstruction.
A. Leaning forward with the chin thrust out is not typically associated with extreme fatigue. Instead, it is a specific positioning often seen in individuals with epiglottitis to help alleviate airway obstruction and facilitate breathing.
C. Leaning forward with the chin thrust out is not indicative of dehydration. Dehydration may present with other signs and symptoms such as dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, sunken fontanelle (in infants), and poor skin turgor.
D. Pain may be present in a child with epiglottitis but leaning forward with the chin thrust out is not primarily indicative of pain. This positioning is primarily a compensatory mechanism to alleviate airway obstruction rather than a response to pain.
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.
