A nurse is caring for a child who is 2 hr postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following fluid items should the nurse offer the child at this time?

A. "All recently used clothing, bedding, and towels must be washed in hot water."
Incorrect: While washing recently used clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water can help in controlling lice, this statement alone doesn't ensure complete eradication of lice or nits.
B. "My child must be free from nits before returning to school."
Correct Answer: This statement shows an understanding that children should be free from nits (lice eggs) before returning to school. Many schools have "no-nit" policies, requiring that children be free from both live lice and nits before re-entry.
C. "Toys that can't be dry cleaned or washed must be thrown out."
Incorrect: It's not necessary to throw out toys that cannot be cleaned. Lice cannot survive off the scalp for more than a day or two. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks to ensure any potential lice or nits die off.
D. "We will treat all the family members to be on the safe side."
Incorrect: Treating all family members is a common but not strictly necessary practice unless others show symptoms or evidence of head lice. It's recommended to focus treatment on those with live lice or nits.

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.