The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a child who appears extremely ill with a high fever, unable to control their oral secretions. with voice hoarseness and inspiratory stridor and inspiratory sternal retractions while breathing. The nurse suspects epiglottitis. Which would the nurse do next?
Contact the assigned emergency room physician to evaluate the need for an advanced airway
Administer intravenous corticosteroids
Obtain a throat culture
inspect the throat to obtain further data to support the diagnosis
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bottle-feed with diluted fruit juice:
Incorrect: Diluted fruit juice is not recommended for infants with diarrhea. Fruit juices, even when diluted, may contain sugars that can exacerbate diarrhea. It's important to focus on water or rehydration solutions.
B. Discontinue breast-feeding until the diarrhea resolves:
Incorrect: Breast milk is an essential source of nutrition for infants, and discontinuing breastfeeding is not recommended, even during episodes of mild diarrhea. Breast milk helps maintain hydration and provides essential nutrients.
C. Provide an increased intake of water.
Correct Answer: Maintaining hydration is crucial during episodes of diarrhea. Offering the infant increased water intake helps prevent dehydration. Rehydration solutions specifically designed for infants can also be recommended.
D. Avoid all solid foods:
Incorrect: While avoiding certain solid foods may be recommended in some cases, it's not necessary to completely avoid all solid foods for a 12-month-old with mild diarrhea. The emphasis should be on maintaining hydration and offering easily digestible foods.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I'll check my child's temperature."
Explanation: Monitoring the child's temperature is a general indicator of well-being and can help identify signs of infection or other postoperative concerns.
B. "I'll give medication so that my child will be comfortable."
Explanation: Administering prescribed medication for comfort is a suitable practice to manage postoperative pain or discomfort.
C. "I'll check my child's voiding to be sure there's no problem."
Explanation:
After an orchiopexy procedure, checking voiding may not be directly related to the surgical intervention. Orchiopexy is a procedure to correct cryptorchidism, which involves repositioning an undescended testicle into the scrotum. While monitoring for general signs of well-being is important, specifically checking voiding might not be directly relevant to the surgical recovery process.
D. "I'll let my child decide when to return to play activities."
Explanation: Allowing the child to gradually resume play activities based on their comfort and recovery is a reasonable approach, considering individual variations in recovery times.
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