A nurse is caring for a child with epiglottitis and needs to provide supportive care.
Select all appropriate interventions for supportive care.

Choice A rationale:

The statement "My throat is really sore.”.

is a common symptom of throat infections, including epiglottitis.

While it is concerning, it is not the most concerning symptom in this case.

Epiglottitis can rapidly progress, leading to respiratory distress, which is a life-threatening condition.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "I can't stop drooling.”.

is a significant concern in a child suspected of having epiglottitis.

Drooling and difficulty managing secretions are hallmark signs of epiglottitis and indicate compromised airway protection.

This symptom suggests that the epiglottis is inflamed and obstructing the airway, potentially leading to respiratory distress and the need for urgent intervention.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "I feel restless and agitated.”.

is a non-specific symptom and may be seen in various illnesses, including infections.

While it indicates the child's discomfort, it does not directly point to the severity of the condition or airway compromise, making it less concerning than the inability to handle secretions.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "I'm having trouble breathing.”.

is the most concerning symptom in a child suspected of having epiglottitis.

Difficulty breathing indicates significant airway obstruction, which can rapidly progress to respiratory failure.

This symptom requires immediate medical attention and intervention to secure the airway and prevent further complications.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should monitor for signs of adrenal insufficiency and hyperglycemia as potential side effects of corticosteroid therapy.

Corticosteroids can suppress the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal insufficiency, which can manifest as weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain.

Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels) is a common side effect of corticosteroids and can worsen diabetes or predispose non-diabetic individuals to high blood sugar levels.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased oxygen saturation levels are not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy.

Corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation, which can actually improve oxygenation in conditions like epiglottitis by reducing airway obstruction and respiratory distress.

Choice C rationale:

Allergic reactions to corticosteroids are possible, but they are relatively rare.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

While allergic reactions are a concern with any medication, they are not the primary side effect that nurses should monitor for when administering corticosteroids.

Choice D rationale:

Increased sensitivity to antibiotics is not a known side effect of corticosteroid therapy.

Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation, but they do not affect the body's sensitivity to antibiotics.

Antibiotic effectiveness is determined by factors such as the specific antibiotic used, the type of bacteria causing the infection, and antibiotic resistance patterns.