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 A
Explanation
A. This is a common postictal manifestation after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Following the intense muscle activity and convulsions during the seizure, the child may experience exhaustion and feel sleepy. The postictal state often involves a period of drowsiness or even brief loss of consciousness.
B. Restlessness is less likely to be observed immediately after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Instead, the child is more likely to exhibit fatigue and lethargy as the body recovers from the seizure activity.
C. Anxiety may occur during or immediately after the seizure due to the sudden and frightening nature of the event. However, in the postictal period, anxiety typically diminishes as the child becomes more oriented and aware of their surroundings.
D. Nausea is not a typical postictal manifestation after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. While some individuals may experience nausea or vomiting during the seizure (ictal phase), it is less common in the postictal period.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Leaning forward with the chin thrust out, often described as the "sniffing position," is a classic sign of airway obstruction, particularly in cases of epiglottitis. This positioning helps to maximize airway patency by opening the airway and reducing the risk of further obstruction.
A. Leaning forward with the chin thrust out is not typically associated with extreme fatigue. Instead, it is a specific positioning often seen in individuals with epiglottitis to help alleviate airway obstruction and facilitate breathing.
C. Leaning forward with the chin thrust out is not indicative of dehydration. Dehydration may present with other signs and symptoms such as dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, sunken fontanelle (in infants), and poor skin turgor.
D. Pain may be present in a child with epiglottitis but leaning forward with the chin thrust out is not primarily indicative of pain. This positioning is primarily a compensatory mechanism to alleviate airway obstruction rather than a response to pain.
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