A nurse is caring for an infant who has spina bifida. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Obtain a throat culture.

This option is not appropriate as a primary nursing action in the acute management of epiglottitis. While obtaining a throat culture may be necessary for diagnostic purposes, it is not a priority in the immediate care of a child with suspected epiglottitis. The focus should be on ensuring airway patency and providing emergency treatment.

B. Visualize the epiglottis using a tongue depressor.

This option is contraindicated in the acute management of epiglottitis. Direct visualization of the epiglottis using a tongue depressor or other instruments can provoke spasm of the epiglottis and worsen airway obstruction. Attempting to visualize the epiglottis should be avoided until the child's airway has been secured in a controlled environment, such as in the operating room under anesthesia.

C. Provide moist air to reduce the inflammation of the epiglottis.

This option is appropriate. Providing moist air, such as humidified oxygen or a cool mist, can help soothe the inflamed tissues of the epiglottis and upper airway. Moist air may help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation, although it will not directly address the risk of airway obstruction. It is often used as supportive therapy in conjunction with other interventions.

D. Initiate airborne precautions.

This option is not necessary for the care of a child with epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is not typically transmitted through airborne droplets. The priority in the management of epiglottitis is ensuring a patent airway and providing appropriate treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent complications.

A. Place the infant in prone position.

This option is incorrect. Placing the infant in the prone position (lying on the stomach) could put pressure on the spinal lesion, potentially causing discomfort or complications. It's important to minimize pressure on the affected area in infants with spina bifida.

B. Cover the infant's lesion with a dry cloth.

This option is incorrect. While keeping the lesion clean and dry is important for preventing infection, simply covering it with a dry cloth may not provide adequate protection. Proper wound care techniques, such as using sterile dressings and cleaning the area with prescribed solutions, are typically necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.

C. Feed the infant through an NG tube.

This option is incorrect. While infants with severe forms of spina bifida may have difficulty feeding due to associated complications, such as difficulty swallowing or weak sucking reflexes, feeding through a nasogastric (NG) tube is not a standard intervention for spina bifida itself. Feeding methods would depend on the specific needs and abilities of the infant, and may involve breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or other methods under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

D. Diapering over a low defect will keep the infant free from infection.

This option is correct. Diapering over a low defect (the opening in the spine caused by spina bifida) helps to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. By properly covering the defect with a diaper, exposure to urine and feces, which can increase the risk of infection, is minimized. Additionally, regular diaper changes and proper hygiene practices are essential for preventing complications in infants with spina bifida.