The nurse performs an assessment of a child with pertussis (whooping cough). Which finding would the nurse identify as indicative of a potential complication?

A. Cracked lips:
Incorrect: While red, cracked lips are part of the mucous membrane changes seen in Kawasaki disease, they are not specific to the acute stage. Mucous membrane changes can occur in both the acute and subacute stages.
B. Desquamation of the skin:
Incorrect: Desquamation, or peeling of the skin, is more characteristic of the subacute or convalescent stages of Kawasaki disease, particularly on the fingers and toes.
C. Normal appearance:
Incorrect: In the acute stage, the child with Kawasaki disease typically exhibits signs of illness, including fever and other clinical manifestations. A "normal appearance" would not be expected in the acute stage.
D. Conjunctival hyperemia.
Explanation: Conjunctival hyperemia, or redness of the eyes, is a common clinical manifestation of the acute stage of Kawasaki disease. Other typical signs and symptoms during this stage include fever, mucous membrane changes (such as red, cracked lips), changes in the extremities, rash, and cervical lymphadenopathy.

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.