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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. 1 cup cooked rice: This exceeds the 1 oz serving size and is more than what the nurse is recommending.
B. Flour tortilla: The size of a flour tortilla can vary, but it often exceeds the 1 oz serving size, so it may provide more than the recommended amount.
C. 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal flakes: The volume of cereal can vary, and 1 cup of cereal may provide more than 1 oz of grains, depending on the type and density of the cereal.
D. 1 slice whole wheat bread: A standard slice of whole wheat bread typically provides around 1 oz of grains, making it an appropriate choice for the recommended serving size.

A. Ribbon-like stools B. Profuse projectile vomiting C. Bright red blood and mucus in the stools D. Watery diarrhea

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Ribbon-like stools
Explanation: Ribbon-like or pencil-thin stools are associated with conditions affecting the rectum, such as colorectal cancer, but they are not a typical sign of intussusception.
B. Profuse projectile vomiting
Explanation: Profuse projectile vomiting is not a typical sign of intussusception. Vomiting may occur, but it is not the primary characteristic feature.
C. Bright red blood and mucus in the stools
Explanation:
Intussusception is a condition in which one part of the intestine slides into another, causing a blockage. One of the classic signs of intussusception is the presence of "currant jelly" stools, which are characterized by a mixture of bright red blood and mucus in the stools. This occurs due to the compression of the blood vessels in the intestine, leading to bleeding and mucosal discharge.
D. Watery diarrhea
Explanation: Watery diarrhea is not a typical sign of intussusception. The condition is more commonly associated with abdominal pain, vomiting, and the characteristic "currant jelly" stools.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing nutritional teaching to the mother of a preschooler and is recommending food options to provide 1 oz of grains. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to care for a child with a diagnosis of intussusception. The nurse reviews the child's record and expects to note which sign of this disorder documented?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A preschooler with a history of cleft palate repair comes to the clinic for a routine well-child checkup. To determine whether this child is experiencing a long-term effect of cleft palate, which question would the nurse ask the parent?

A nurse is admitting a child who has suspected epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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