A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is postoperative and received morphine via IV bolus for pain 10 min ago.

Which of the following findings is the nurse’s priority?

This is because the AP’s statement constitutes an intentional tort, which is a wrong that the defendant knew or should have known would be caused by their actions. An assault is defined as intentionally putting another person in reasonable apprehension of an imminent harmful or offensive contact.

The AP’s threat of using restraints and force-feeding the client could cause the client to fear for their safety and dignity, which is an assault.

Choice B. Battery is wrong because battery is defined as intentional causation of harmful or offensive contact with another person without that person’s consent.

The AP did not actually touch the client or carry out the threat, so there was no battery.

Choice C. Negligence is wrong because negligence is an unintentional tort, which occurs when the defendant’s actions or inactions were unreasonably unsafe.

The AP did not act or fail to act in a way that breached the standard of care or caused harm to the client, so there was no negligence.

Choice D. Malpractice is wrong because malpractice is a type of negligence that involves a professional failing to perform their duties according to the standards of their profession.

The AP did not perform any professional duty or service that was below the standard of care or caused harm to the client, so there was no malpractice.

The correct answer is choice B. Continuously monitor the child’s respiratory status. This is because epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe airway obstruction and respiratory distress in children. The nurse should monitor the child for signs of worsening breathing, such as stridor, cyanosis, restlessness, or drooling. The nurse should also be prepared to assist with intubation or tracheostomy if needed.

Choice A is wrong because assessing the child for frequent swallowing may increase the risk of vomiting and aspiration. Swallowing may also be difficult and painful for the child due to the inflammation of the epiglottis.

Choice C is wrong because suctioning the child’s oropharynx may cause more swelling and irritation of the epiglottis, or trigger a spasm that can close off the airway. The nurse should avoid any stimulation of the throat or mouth that may worsen the condition.

Choice D is wrong because administering pancreatic enzymes with meals is not relevant to epiglottitis. Pancreatic enzymes are used to treat cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. Epiglottitis is caused by a bacterial infection or an injury to the throat.