A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum, reports an allergy to aspirin, and states that they are in pain. The nurse should identify which of the following medications as safe to administer to the client?

Choice A reason:

The nurse should not initiate contact precautions for a child with suspected epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is primarily caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, and it spreads through respiratory droplets. Contact precautions are not necessary as the transmission occurs through droplets, and standard precautions should be sufficient.

Choice B reason:

The nurse should monitor pulse oximetry. Epiglottitis is a condition where the epiglottis becomes inflamed and swollen, potentially blocking the airway. Monitoring the child's pulse oximetry helps assess their oxygen saturation levels, which is crucial in determining if there is adequate oxygenation. If the oxygen saturation drops significantly, immediate intervention might be needed to maintain the child's airway and prevent hypoxia.

Choice C reason:

Obtaining a throat culture is not an appropriate intervention for suspected epiglottitis. In cases of suspected epiglottitis, the priority is to ensure the child's airway is maintained and that they receive appropriate medical attention promptly. Throat culture collection involves swabbing the throat to identify the infectious agent and is not a priority in this urgent situation.

Choice D reason:

Administering epinephrine IM is not indicated for suspected epiglottitis. Epinephrine is typically used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and not for managing epiglottitis. The primary focus in epiglottitis is securing the airway and providing appropriate medical treatment, which might include antibiotics and respiratory support.

Choice A reason:

The nurse should provide the client with a carbonated beverage as a nonpharmacologic intervention to reduce pain from intestinal gas. Carbonated beverages, like soda or sparkling water, can help alleviate gas by promoting burping, which releases trapped gas from the digestive system. The effervescence of the carbonated drink can help relieve the discomfort caused by accumulated gas, offering relief to the client.

Choice B reason:

Encouraging the client to lie on their right side is not an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for reducing pain from intestinal gas. Although positioning can sometimes aid in relieving discomfort, lying on the right side does not specifically target the reduction of gas. Therefore, it is not the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

Choice C reason:

Encouraging the client to ambulate is a beneficial nonpharmacologic intervention for various post-operative conditions. However, when it comes to reducing pain from intestinal gas, it may not be as effective as other options. While movement can aid in gas passage through the digestive system, it might not be the most immediate or direct solution for alleviating the client's discomfort.

Choice D reason:

Providing the client with straws for beverages does not directly address the issue of intestinal gas. It is an unrelated intervention and may not provide any significant relief for the client's discomfort.