A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a 3-year-old child who has suspected epiglottitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Prepare to assist with intubation.
Prepare a cool mist tent.
Suction the child's oropharynx.
Obtain a throat culture.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Preparing to assist with intubation is the appropriate action for a nurse caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency where the airway can become severely compromised due to inflammation of the epiglottis. Intubation ensures a secure airway, allowing the child to breathe and preventing respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
Preparing a cool mist tent is not the priority in suspected epiglottitis. While humidified air can provide comfort for respiratory distress, it does not address the potential for airway obstruction. Intubation takes precedence in this critical situation.
Choice C rationale:
Suctioning the child's oropharynx may worsen the condition in suspected epiglottitis. Suctioning can stimulate the epiglottis, triggering a spasm and further obstructing the airway. Intubation is the primary intervention to secure the airway safely.
Choice D rationale:
Obtaining a throat culture is not the immediate action in suspected epiglottitis. While a throat culture may confirm the diagnosis, the priority is securing the airway to prevent respiratory distress and hypoxia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice c. Limit fluid intake with meals.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a bronchodilator after meals is not ideal because bronchodilators are typically given before meals to help open the airways and make breathing easier during eating.
Choice B rationale:
Ambulating the client before each meal might cause fatigue, making it harder for the client to eat and potentially decreasing their overall intake.
Choice C rationale:
Limiting fluid intake with meals can help prevent the client from feeling too full, which can make it easier for them to consume more solid food. This is particularly important for clients with COPD who may already have a reduced appetite and difficulty eating large amounts at once.
Choice D rationale:
Offering three large meals each day is not recommended for clients with COPD. Smaller, more frequent meals are generally better tolerated and can help prevent the feeling of fullness that can make breathing more difficult.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
An advance directive is a legal document that allows a client to express their wishes regarding medical care in case they become incapacitated. The client should discuss this document with their family before signing it, so that they are aware of the client's preferences and can respect them. The other options are incorrect because the client can change their mind at any time, their partner does not need to be present, and an attorney does not need to notarize the document.
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