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 ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Symptoms are continuous throughout the day:
Incorrect: Continuous symptoms throughout the day are more indicative of moderate or severe persistent asthma, not mild persistent asthma.
B. Daytime symptoms occur more than twice a week:
Correct Answer: Children with mild persistent asthma may experience symptoms more than twice a week, but less than once a day.
C. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is greater than or equal to 80% of the predicted value:In mild persistent asthma, pulmonary function tests (e.g., PEF or FEV1) remain normal or close to normal, with values typically ≥80% of the predicted value, reflecting good lung function between episodes.
D. Nighttime symptoms occur approximately twice a month:
Mild persistent asthma often involves nighttime symptoms or awakenings occurring 3–4 times per month. If nighttime symptoms occur more frequently (e.g., once weekly), it suggests moderate persistent asthma.
E. Minor limitations occur with normal activity:Children with mild persistent asthma may experience minor limitations in their normal activities. These limitations are not severe and do not significantly impact daily life.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Brachial artery:
Incorrect: The brachial artery is commonly used for measuring blood pressure in infants but not for assessing heart rate.
B. Radial artery:
Incorrect: The radial artery is not typically used for assessing an infant's heart rate, especially in the clinical setting.
C. Carotid artery:
Incorrect: The carotid artery is not commonly used for assessing an infant's heart rate. It is more commonly used in adults, but in infants, the apex of the heart is the preferred site.
D. Apex of the heart.
Correct Answer: The apex of the heart is the most accurate site for counting an infant's heart rate. It is located at the point of maximum impulse (PMI), which is usually at the fifth intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line.
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