A nurse is admitting a child who has suspected epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer 0,9% sodium chloride IV solution.
Assist with obtaining an x-ray of the child's neck
Initiate IV antibiotics.
Place the child on droplet precautions
The Correct Answer is D
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
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["260"]
Explanation
To calculate the total fluid intake, add the volumes of each item consumed:
Juice: ½ cup
1 cup = 240 mL
½ cup = 240 mL / 2 = 120 mL
Gelatin: 3 oz
1 oz ≈ 30 mL
3 oz = 3 * 30 mL = 90 mL
Ice pop: 1 oz
1 oz ≈ 30 mL
1 oz = 30 mL
Ginger ale: 20 mL
Now, add these values:
120 mL (juice) + 90 mL (gelatin) + 30 mL (ice pop) + 20 mL (ginger ale) = 260 mL
Therefore, the nurse should record 260 mL as the child's fluid intake.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The child is too young to receive antibiotics: This statement doesn't address the actual reason for not prescribing antibiotics for croup, which is primarily due to its viral nature.
B. "Antibiotics are not indicated unless a bacterial infection is present."
Explanation:
Viral laryngotracheobronchitis, commonly known as croup, is typically caused by a viral infection, most commonly by the parainfluenza virus. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Therefore, unless a bacterial infection is also present, prescribing antibiotics is not necessary or beneficial in treating croup.
C. The child may be allergic to antibiotics: While antibiotic allergies are a consideration, it doesn't explain why antibiotics are not prescribed for viral illnesses like croup.
D. The child still has the maternal antibodies from birth and does not need antibiotics: Maternal antibodies can offer some protection against infections, but the primary reason for not using antibiotics in viral infections like croup is because antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
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