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?

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. An infectious disease of the central nervous system
Explanation: Cerebral palsy is not caused by an infectious disease of the central nervous system. It is a non-progressive neurological disorder that arises from brain damage, often during prenatal development.
B. An inflammation of the brain as a result of a viral illness
Explanation: While inflammation of the brain due to a viral illness can lead to neurological complications, cerebral palsy is not specifically caused by inflammation resulting from a viral illness.
C. A chronic disability characterized by impaired muscle movement and posture
Explanation:
Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that primarily affects motor function and posture. It results from damage to the developing brain, often occurring before or during birth. The impaired muscle movement and posture associated with cerebral palsy can lead to limitations in activities of daily living and mobility.
D. A congenital condition that results in moderate to severe intellectual disabilities
Explanation: Cerebral palsy primarily affects motor function, and intellectual disabilities are not an inherent component of cerebral palsy. While some individuals with cerebral palsy may have associated cognitive impairments, it is not a defining characteristic of the disorder.