The nurse employed in an emergency department is instructed to monitor a child diagnosed with epiglottitis. The nurse notes that the child is leaning forward with the chin thrust out. The nurse interprets this observation as indicating which finding?

This position, often referred to as the "knee-to-chest" position, is recommended during a cyanotic spell in infants with tetralogy of Fallot because it can help increase venous return to the heart and improve oxygenation. It's important for caregivers to understand this positioning as part of the management for hypercyanotic spells in children with this condition.

A. Placing the baby upright in an infant seat may help improve blood flow and oxygenation, but it's not the recommended position for managing cyanosis in a baby with tetralogy of Fallot.

B. Placing the baby with the head lower than the rest of the body could potentially worsen cyanosis by increasing right-to-left shunting of blood and decreasing pulmonary blood flow.

C. Placing the baby in a supine position with the head elevated worsens pulmonary blood flow by increasing systemic vascular resistance. This position can help worsen cyanosis by promoting better oxygenation.

B. Wheezing is a common symptom of asthma exacerbation and can indicate airway obstruction. Wheezing may worsen during an asthma attack, suggesting deterioration in respiratory status.

C. Nasal flaring is a sign of increased respiratory effort and can occur during respiratory distress. In a child with asthma, nasal flaring may indicate worsening airway obstruction and increased work of breathing, suggesting deterioration in respiratory status.

D. Retraction of sternal muscles, also known as intercostal retractions, occurs when the muscles between the ribs are drawn inward during inspiration, indicating increased effort to breathe. Intercostal retractions are a sign of respiratory distress and can occur in children with asthma during exacerbations, particularly when airway obstruction is severe.

A. Warm extremities are not typically indicative of deterioration in respiratory status in a child with asthma. In fact, warm extremities may suggest adequate peripheral perfusion.

E. An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range for most children and may not necessarily indicate deterioration in respiratory status. However, oxygen saturation should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical signs and symptoms.