A nurse is caring for a child whose guardian requests information about essential oils to help their child relax. Which of the following oils should the nurse recommend?

A. Obtain an x-ray of the child's neck: While an x-ray can help diagnose epiglottitis, it is not the first action. The priority is to prevent the spread of infection and ensure the safety of the healthcare team and other patients.

B. Place intubation equipment at the bedside: Intubation may be necessary if the child's airway becomes obstructed, but the first step is to take precautions to prevent the spread of the infection.

C. Administer intravenous antibiotics: Administering antibiotics is crucial for treating the infection, but it should follow the initiation of droplet precautions to ensure safety.

D. Initiate droplet precautions: Epiglottitis is often caused by bacterial infections that can spread through respiratory droplets. Initiating droplet precautions immediately helps prevent transmission and is the priority to protect healthcare workers and other patients.

The nurse should first: b. Keep the child NPO.

Rationale:

In this scenario, the child may have ingested a battery, which can cause serious complications such as chemical burns if it gets stuck in the esophagus. Keeping the child NPO (nothing by mouth) helps prevent further movement of the battery and reduces the risk of complications.

Other responses:

a. Obtain informed consent: While obtaining informed consent may be necessary for certain diagnostic or treatment procedures, the immediate priority is to ensure the child's safety and prevent complications from the suspected battery ingestion.

c. Teach the child's parents the importance of inspecting the child's play area: While this is an important aspect of preventing accidents, it is not the immediate priority when the child is at risk of battery ingestion. Ensuring the child's safety and preventing further harm take precedence.