A nurse is managing the airway of a child with epiglottitis.
Which statement about airway management is correct?

Tracheostomy is preferred over intubation.

Intubation may be the only option for all cases.

Tracheostomy is less invasive than intubation.

Intubation is always the first choice for airway management.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Tracheostomy may be necessary in severe cases of epiglottitis where the airway obstruction is life-threatening and cannot be managed with other interventions.

In such cases, creating a surgical airway via tracheostomy can provide a more stable and secure airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation.

However, this option is typically considered when other measures, such as intubation, have failed or are not feasible due to the severity of the obstruction.

Choice B rationale:

Intubation may be required in cases where the airway obstruction is significant, and the child is unable to maintain oxygenation and ventilation adequately.

Intubation allows for mechanical ventilation, ensuring a patent airway and adequate oxygen supply.

However, it is not always the only option and may depend on the severity of the condition and the response to other interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Tracheostomy is more invasive than intubation.

While tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the trachea, intubation involves inserting a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea.

Tracheostomy is considered more invasive because it requires a surgical incision and the placement of a permanent or temporary tracheostomy tube.

Choice D rationale:

Intubation is not always the first choice for airway management in epiglottitis.

The choice of airway management (intubation, tracheostomy, or other interventions) depends on the severity of the airway obstruction, the child's clinical condition, and the healthcare provider's assessment.

Intubation may be chosen if the obstruction is significant and the child cannot maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Epiglottitis does not cause the epiglottis to shrink and recede into the throat.

Instead, it leads to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, causing airway obstruction.

Choice B rationale:

The inflammation in epiglottitis does not primarily affect the vocal cords.

It specifically affects the epiglottis, a flap-like structure located at the base of the tongue, which covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the windpipe.

Choice C rationale:

Epiglottitis leads to increased airway resistance and respiratory distress due to the swelling and obstruction of the airway.

This can result in difficulty swallowing, drooling, and a muffled voice, as seen in the client's symptoms described in the question.

Choice D rationale:

The swelling in epiglottitis is not limited to the vocal cord area.

It involves the epiglottis, which can obstruct the airway and cause respiratory distress.

A. "Epiglottitis is more common in females than in males.”.. B. "It primarily affects infants under 1 year old.”.. C. "Epiglottitis is more prevalent in colder months.”.. D. "Children between 2 and 8 years old are at higher risk.”..

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Epiglottitis is not necessarily more common in females than in males.

It can affect both genders equally.

Choice B rationale:

While epiglottitis is more common in children, it primarily affects those between the ages of 2 and 8 years old, not just infants under 1 year old.

Choice C rationale:

There is no significant evidence to suggest that epiglottitis is more prevalent in colder months.

The occurrence of epiglottitis is not strictly related to seasonal changes.

Choice D rationale:

Children between 2 and 8 years old are at higher risk of developing epiglottitis.

This age group is more susceptible due to their smaller airways and less developed immune systems, making them prone to infections like epiglottitis.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is managing the airway of a child with epiglottitis.Which statement about airway management is correct?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is brought to the emergency room with suspected epiglottitis.The client is drooling saliva and has difficulty swallowing.Which statement accurately describes the pathophysiology of epiglottitis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a 6-year-old child with suspected epiglottitis.The child is leaning forward and has a muffled voice.Which statement is true regarding the demographics of epiglottitis?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

During the nursing assessment of a child with suspected epiglottitis, the nurse observes that the child is drooling and has difficulty managing secretions.Which statement made by the child would be most concerning for the nurse?

A client presents with symptoms of epiglottitis, including difficulty swallowing and a muffled voice.What is the most common causative agent of epiglottitis in children?

A nurse is managing the airway of a child with epiglottitis.Which statement about airway management is correct?

A nurse is providing education to a child and their family about the prevention of epiglottitis.What information should the nurse include in the education?

A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child suspected of having epiglottitis.The child presents with a muffled voice and is leaning forward with outstretched arms.Which statement regarding epiglottitis is accurate?

A nurse is caring for a child with epiglottitis and needs to provide supportive care.Select all appropriate interventions for supportive care.

In the diagnostic evaluation of epiglottitis, which imaging test is preferred for visualizing a swollen epiglottis?

When conducting a nursing assessment of a child with suspected epiglottitis, what information should the nurse include in the history-taking process? .

A nurse is managing the airway of a child with epiglottitis.
Which statement about airway management is correct?