A nurse is caring for a preschool-aged child who presents with manifestations of epiglottitis. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority to perform?
Insert an intravenous catheter
Initiate droplet precautions
Provide blow-by humidified oxygen for the child
Place resuscitation equipment at child's bedside
The Correct Answer is D
D. Place resuscitation equipment at the child's bedside. This is because epiglottitis can lead to a life- threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention, and having resuscitation equipment readily available is essential for rapid response.
A. Establishing intravenous access may be necessary for administering fluids and medications but it is not the nurse's priority action when caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis.
B. Droplet precautions help reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory pathogens to others. However, the priority is to address the child's respiratory distress and potential airway compromise.
C. Providing blow-by humidified oxygen can be beneficial in managing the child's respiratory status. However, securing the airway takes precedence over other interventions, as indicated by the guidelines for managing epiglottitis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This position, often referred to as the "knee-to-chest" position, is recommended during a cyanotic spell in infants with tetralogy of Fallot because it can help increase venous return to the heart and improve oxygenation. It's important for caregivers to understand this positioning as part of the management for hypercyanotic spells in children with this condition.
A. Placing the baby upright in an infant seat may help improve blood flow and oxygenation, but it's not the recommended position for managing cyanosis in a baby with tetralogy of Fallot.
B. Placing the baby with the head lower than the rest of the body could potentially worsen cyanosis by increasing right-to-left shunting of blood and decreasing pulmonary blood flow.
C. Placing the baby in a supine position with the head elevated worsens pulmonary blood flow by increasing systemic vascular resistance. This position can help worsen cyanosis by promoting better oxygenation.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. Humidified oxygen can help improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress by maintaining optimal humidity levels in the airways, which can be beneficial, especially in infants with bronchiolitis who may have increased respiratory secretions and airway inflammation.
B. Monitoring respiratory rate and oxygen saturation allows for early detection of respiratory distress and hypoxemia, which are common complications of bronchiolitis. Regular assessment helps guide interventions and ensures timely escalation of care if needed.
C. Restricting fluid intake is not typically indicated for children with bronchiolitis. In fact, maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for children with respiratory illnesses to help thin respiratory secretions and prevent dehydration.
D. Antibiotics are not routinely indicated for the treatment of bronchiolitis caused by viral pathogens. Bronchiolitis is typically caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or other viral infections, for which antibiotics are ineffective.
E. Chest physiotherapy is not routinely recommended for the management of bronchiolitis in infants and children. Bronchiolitis is primarily managed with supportive care measures such as humidified oxygen, hydration, and monitoring for respiratory distress.
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