A nurse is caring for a preschooler who has epiglottitis from a streptococcal infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Attempt to obtain a throat culture.
Use a tongue depressor to observe the back of the throat.
Apply humidified oxygen via a mask.
Initiate airborne precautions.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Attempt to obtain a throat culture: This is contraindicated because manipulating the throat could exacerbate airway obstruction, leading to a potential respiratory emergency.
B. Use a tongue depressor to observe the back of the throat: This can provoke a spasm or cause complete airway obstruction in a child with epiglottitis and should be avoided.
C. Apply humidified oxygen via a mask: This helps to keep the airways moist and can provide some relief and improve oxygenation while minimizing the risk of airway manipulation.
D. Initiate airborne precautions: Epiglottitis primarily requires droplet precautions, not airborne. Airborne precautions are used for diseases like tuberculosis, which are spread through smaller droplets that remain suspended in the air.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Place the infant in a knee-chest position: Indicated: ☑️
The knee-chest position is commonly used during a "tet spell," which involves episodes of cyanosis due to decreased oxygen levels. This position increases systemic vascular resistance, which helps redirect blood flow to the lungs, improving oxygenation.
Administer morphine via IV bolus: Indicated: ☑️
Morphine is used to calm the infant, reduce respiratory effort, and decrease pulmonary vascular resistance. It can help in reducing the severity of the tet spell by promoting better oxygenation.
Provide 100% oxygen by face mask: Indicated: ☑️
Administering 100% oxygen can help increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and reduce the effects of hypoxia. Oxygen is a vasodilator and can reduce pulmonary resistance, making it easier for the infant to oxygenate blood.
Request a prescription for a diuretic: Contraindicated: ☑️
Diuretics are generally not indicated in the acute management of tet spells. While they are used in conditions with fluid overload, their use in this context is not beneficial and could potentially worsen the infant's condition by causing dehydration and further reducing blood volume.
Perform nasopharyngeal suctioning for a maximum of 5 seconds: Contraindicated: ☑️
Nasopharyngeal suctioning can be stressful for the infant and may worsen cyanosis or provoke a tet spell due to increased agitation and respiratory effort. It's typically not recommended unless there's a clear indication for airway clearance.
Prepare to assist with the insertion of a chest tube: Contraindicated: ☑️
Chest tube insertion is not a treatment for tet spells or ToF. It is usually indicated for pneumothorax or significant pleural effusions, which are not related to the acute cyanotic episodes seen in ToF. Preparing for this procedure would be inappropriate in this scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Bring your infant into the clinic today to be seen." This is the appropriate response. Projectile vomiting can be a sign of pyloric stenosis, a condition that requires prompt medical evaluation and potential surgical intervention.
B. "You might want to try switching to a different formula." While switching formula might be considered for minor feeding issues, projectile vomiting is severe and warrants immediate medical attention rather than a dietary change.
C. "Give your infant an oral rehydration solution." Oral rehydration might be useful for dehydration, but it does not address the underlying cause of projectile vomiting, which needs to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.
D. "Burp your child more frequently during feedings." Although burping can help with mild spit-ups, projectile vomiting is a more serious symptom that requires medical evaluation rather than just a change in feeding practices.
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