A nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin 80 mg/kg/day divided into two doses daily to a 2-year-old client who weighs 10 kg (22 lb). Available is amoxicillin suspension 400 mg/5 mL. How many mL of amoxicillin should the nurse administer per dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

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.

Choice A Reason:

A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose of 200 mg/dL. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL in a child with diabetes may require management but is not an immediate life-threatening situation.

Choice B Reason:

A toddler who has nephrotic syndrome and facial edema. Facial edema in a child with nephrotic syndrome requires assessment and potential intervention but might not present an immediate threat to life compared to an airway obstruction.

Choice C Reason:

A preschool-age child who has a muffled voice and no spontaneous cough. The combination of muffled voice and the absence of spontaneous cough can be indicative of an upper airway obstruction, which can be life-threatening. This requires immediate assessment and intervention to ensure the child's airway is clear and that breathing is not compromised.

Choice D Reason:

An adolescent who has Crohn's disease and a recent weight loss of 5 kg (11 lb). Weight loss in an adolescent with Crohn's disease is concerning but might not represent an immediate life-threatening situation compared to a potential airway obstruction.