A nurse is reinforcing teaching about end-of-life care with the partner of a client. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

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:

Plan for a 30-minute teaching session about the procedure: While providing information about the procedure is crucial, a 30-minute teaching session might exceed the child's attention span and may overwhelm them. Short, age-appropriate explanations are generally more effective in this age group.

Choice B Reason:

Demonstrate deep-breathing and counting exercises: Teaching relaxation techniques like deep-breathing and counting exercises can help the child manage anxiety and stress during the procedure. These techniques can be beneficial for calming the child and providing a sense of control.

Choice C Reason:

Use vague language to describe the procedure: Using vague or overly simplified language might lead to confusion or increase anxiety in the child. Providing accurate, developmentally appropriate information is important for the child's understanding and preparation.

Choice D Reason:

Explain the procedure to the child when they are in the playroom: Explaining the procedure to the child in a familiar and comfortable environment like the playroom can help reduce stress and create a more relaxed atmosphere for the discussion. However, timing is crucial; the explanation should be given when the child is calm and receptive, not necessarily only in the playroom.