A nurse is caring for a child with epiglottitis and needs to provide supportive care.
Select all appropriate interventions for supportive care.
Administering antibiotics intravenously as prescribed.
Administering corticosteroids intravenously as prescribed.
Providing hydration and nutrition by intravenous fluids.
Educating the child and family about the prevention of epiglottitis.
Providing humidified air or cool mist therapy to moisten the airway.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A rationale:
Administering antibiotics intravenously as prescribed is a crucial intervention in the management of epiglottitis.
Epiglottitis is commonly caused by bacterial infections, and intravenous antibiotics are essential to target the underlying infection and prevent its spread.
The choice of antibiotic should be based on the specific causative organism and local antibiotic resistance patterns.
Choice B rationale:
Administering corticosteroids intravenously as prescribed is another important intervention in the supportive care of epiglottitis.
Corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation, which is a significant concern in epiglottitis.
By decreasing inflammation, corticosteroids can alleviate respiratory distress and improve the patient's breathing.
Choice C rationale:
Providing hydration and nutrition by intravenous fluids is necessary in the management of epiglottitis, especially if the child is having difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Intravenous fluids ensure that the child receives adequate hydration and nutrition while minimizing the risk of aspiration, which can worsen the airway obstruction.
Choice E rationale:
Providing humidified air or cool mist therapy to moisten the airway is a supportive measure that can help ease breathing difficulties in children with epiglottitis.
Humidified air or cool mist therapy can soothe the inflamed airway, making it easier for the child to breathe.
It is essential to maintain a moist environment to prevent further irritation and discomfort.
Choice D rationale:
Educating the child and family about the prevention of epiglottitis is important for overall health awareness, but it is not a direct supportive intervention for a child already diagnosed with the condition.
While prevention strategies, such as timely vaccinations and good hygiene, are crucial, they do not constitute immediate supportive care for a child with active epiglottitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The importance of oral medications to relieve symptoms is relevant, but it doesn't specifically prevent epiglottitis.
Preventive measures like vaccination are more crucial in avoiding the condition.
Choice B rationale:
Educating the child and their family about the signs and symptoms of epiglottitis is essential for early recognition and prompt medical intervention.
Understanding the symptoms can lead to quicker medical attention, which is vital in managing epiglottitis effectively.
Choice C rationale:
Avoiding complete immunization against Hib is not a recommended practice.
Hib vaccination significantly reduces the risk of epiglottitis caused by Hib bacteria.
Encouraging complete immunization is a key preventive measure against the disease.
Choice D rationale:
Using nebulized medications for treatment might be a part of the management plan if the child already has epiglottitis, but it's not a preventive measure.
Prevention focuses on vaccination and awareness of symptoms, making choice D less relevant in the context of prevention.
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