A nurse is planning care for a toddler who has epiglottitis.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Assess the child for frequent swallowing.
Continuously monitor the child’s respiratory status.
Carefully suction the child’s oropharynx to remove secretions.
Administer pancreatic enzymes with meals.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should determine if the client’s health care surrogate is aware of the risks and benefits of the procedure. A health care surrogate is a person who is authorized to make health care decisions for a client who is unable to do so. The nurse has a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that the client’s surrogate has given informed consent for the surgery, which means that they have received adequate information about the procedure, its purpose, its risks, its benefits, and its alternatives.
Choice A is wrong because sending the unsigned informed consent form to the facility’s risk manager does not ensure that the client’s surrogate has given informed consent. The risk manager is not involved in the consent process and cannot authorize the surgery without the surrogate’s consent.
Choice B is wrong because ensuring that the client’s family supports the provider’s decision for surgery is not the same as obtaining informed consent from the surrogate.
The family may have different opinions or preferences than the surrogate, and the surrogate may not agree with the provider’s decision. The nurse should respect the surrogate’s autonomy and authority to make decisions for the client.
Choice C is wrong because determining if the procedure is medically necessary for the client is not the nurse’s role.
The provider is responsible for determining the medical necessity of the surgery and explaining it to the surrogate. The nurse should not question or interfere with the provider’s judgment unless there is evidence of negligence or malpractice.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C, frequent swallowing.
This indicates that the child may be experiencing hemorrhage because they are trying to clear the blood from their throat. Frequent swallowing is one of the initial signs of bleeding immediately after tonsillectomy.
Choice A is wrong because elevated pain level is not a specific sign of hemorrhage.
Pain is expected after a tonsillectomy and can be managed with medication and fluids.
Choice B is wrong because increased drowsiness is not a specific sign of hemorrhage.
Drowsiness can be caused by anesthesia, medication, or dehydration.
Choice D is wrong because diminished breath sounds are not a specific sign of hemorrhage.
Diminished breath sounds can be caused by respiratory infection, asthma, or bronchospasm.
Normal ranges for hemoglobin and hematocrit are 11.5 to 15.5 g/dL and 34 to 45% for children, respectively.
Normal ranges for platelet count are 150,000 to 450,000/mm3 for both children and adults.
Normal ranges for plasma clotting variables depend on the specific test and method used.
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