A nurse is caring for a preschooler who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. The child is now ready to resume oral intake. Which of the following dietary choices should the nurse offer the child?

Choice A Reason:

Insert an IV catheter for the toddler. While establishing IV access is important for administering medications and fluids, in this scenario, securing the airway takes precedence due to the immediate threat to the child's ability to breathe. Intubation to ensure a clear airway and adequate oxygenation is more critical at this moment.

Choice B Reason:

Prepare the toddler for nasotracheal intubation. These symptoms—hyperpyrexia, severe dyspnea, and drooling—can be indicative of epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening condition where the airway can become severely compromised due to swelling of the epiglottis. Immediate intervention to secure the airway is crucial in such cases to ensure the child can breathe adequately.

While obtaining an IV catheter, blood culture, and administering antibiotics are important in managing the condition, securing the airway takes precedence in this critical situation to maintain the child's breathing and prevent further respiratory compromise.

Choice C Reason:

Obtain a blood culture from the toddler. Obtaining a blood culture is an essential diagnostic step in identifying potential infections or causes but is not the immediate priority when a child is experiencing severe respiratory distress. Stabilizing the airway and breathing take precedence in this critical situation.

Choice D Reason:

Administer an antibiotic to the toddler. Administering antibiotics might be part of the treatment plan, especially if an infection is suspected, but in an emergent situation where the airway is compromised, securing the airway is the primary concern to ensure the child's ability to breathe and maintain oxygenation.