A nurse is preparing a vitamin K injection to give to a newborn. The newborn's mother questions the purpose of the medication. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. Oranges is incorrect. Oranges are not a choking hazard as long as they are peeled and cut into small pieces for a toddler. The nurse should not include oranges in a list of choking hazards for toddlers.

B. Potatoes is incorrect. Potatoes themselves are not a choking hazard for toddlers, though whole or large pieces could pose a risk. The risk comes from how the food is prepared, not the food itself. If properly cooked and mashed or cut into small pieces, potatoes are safe.

C. Grapes is correct. Grapes are a common choking hazard for toddlers because they are small, round, and can easily block the airway if not properly cut into small pieces. The nurse should definitely include grapes in the pamphlet as a choking hazard.

D. Corn is incorrect. Corn kernels are not typically a choking hazard for toddlers unless they are served as whole kernels, which could pose a risk if not chewed properly. However, corn in the form of pureed corn or small pieces is safe for toddlers to eat.

A. Inspect the preschooler's tonsils for edema.: While tonsil inspection might be part of a general assessment, in a child with suspected epiglottitis, inspecting the throat should be avoided as it can trigger airway obstruction or cause further distress.

B. Collect a sputum sample.: Sputum collection is not typically indicated for epiglottitis diagnosis. A rapid diagnosis is essential to ensure timely intervention, and sputum samples are not a key diagnostic tool for this condition.

C. Determine the preschooler's oxygen saturation level.: Epiglottitis can lead to significant airway obstruction, so monitoring the oxygen saturation level is critical to assess for hypoxia and ensure adequate oxygenation. Early intervention may be required to maintain the child's airway.

D. Obtain a specimen for throat culture.: A throat culture should not be obtained in suspected epiglottitis, as manipulating the throat could cause complete airway obstruction. Immediate intervention to secure the airway is the priority.