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 B

Explanation

A. Test the urine for protein.
Explanation: Testing urine for protein is not a priority nursing intervention in the preoperative period for an infant with hydrocephalus. The focus is on preventing complications related to immobility and positioning.
B. Reposition the infant frequently.
Explanation:
Repositioning the infant frequently is a crucial intervention to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers (bedsores). Infants with hydrocephalus may be at an increased risk of skin breakdown due to prolonged immobility and pressure on specific areas. Repositioning helps distribute pressure, improves circulation, and reduces the risk of skin breakdown.
C. Assess blood pressure every 15 minutes.
Explanation: While monitoring blood pressure is important in certain situations, it is not typically the priority for an infant with hydrocephalus in the preoperative period. The focus is on preventing skin breakdown through repositioning.
D. Provide a stimulating environment.
Explanation: While providing a stimulating environment can be beneficial for infant development, it is not the priority in the preoperative period for an infant with hydrocephalus. The primary concern is addressing potential complications related to immobility, such as skin breakdown.

A. Administer 0,9% sodium chloride IV solution. B. Assist with obtaining an x-ray of the child's neck C. Initiate IV antibiotics. D. Place the child on droplet precautions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Administer 0.9% sodium chloride IV solution: Although IV fluids might be necessary to maintain hydration and circulation, this is not the priority over preventing the spread of infection.

B. Assist with obtaining an x-ray of the child's neck.Imaging can help confirm the diagnosis but should be done after ensuring infection control measures.
C. Initiate IV antibiotics.Antibiotics are crucial for treatment but should follow the implementation of droplet precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
D. Place the child on droplet precautions.
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency primarily caused by bacterial infections, such as Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). The first priority is to ensure the safety of both the patient and others by preventing the spread of infection.Placing the child on droplet precautions helps to contain the bacteria and protect healthcare workers and other patients.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An infant with a diagnosis of hydrocephalus is scheduled for surgery. Which is the priority nursing intervention in the preoperative period?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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