On assessment, the school nurse notes that the child has a rash. The nurse suspects that the child has erythema infectiosum (fifth disease). because the skin assessment revealed a rash that has which characteristics?

A. Contact the assigned emergency room physician to evaluate the need for an advanced airway
Explanation:
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that can rapidly progress to airway obstruction. The classic signs and symptoms include a high fever, difficulty swallowing, voice hoarseness, inspiratory stridor, and sternal retractions. Immediate intervention may be necessary to secure the airway. Therefore, contacting the emergency room physician to evaluate the need for an advanced airway (such as intubation) is a priority.
B. Administer intravenous corticosteroids
Explanation: While corticosteroids may be used in the management of epiglottitis to reduce airway inflammation, securing the airway is the priority in the acute phase. Corticosteroids would typically be administered after securing the airway.
C. Obtain a throat culture
Explanation: Obtaining a throat culture is not the immediate priority in the case of suspected epiglottitis. Prompt intervention to secure the airway takes precedence over diagnostic tests.
D. Inspect the throat to obtain further data to support the diagnosis
Explanation: Direct visualization of the throat (inspection) may exacerbate the airway obstruction and is not recommended in the acute management of suspected epiglottitis. The priority is to secure the airway while minimizing agitation and discomfort for the child. Diagnostic procedures, such as obtaining a throat culture, can be considered after the airway is stabilized.

A. Coughing spells may be triggered by dust or smoke:
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Irritants like dust or smoke can trigger coughing spells in a child recovering from pertussis.
B. We need to maintain droplet precautions and a quiet environment for at least 2 weeks.
Correct Answer: Pertussis is highly contagious during the catarrhal and paroxysmal stages, but once the child has reached the convalescent stage (usually after 2-4 weeks of illness), the risk of spreading the infection decreases significantly. Continuing strict droplet precautions and a quiet environment for two weeks after the convalescent stage is not necessary.
C. "We need to encourage our child to drink fluids":
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Encouraging fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration, especially during coughing spells.
D. Vomiting may occur when our child has coughing episodes:
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Vomiting can be a common occurrence during coughing episodes in pertussis due to the forceful nature of the cough. Parents should be aware of this symptom.