A nurse is planning care for a toddler who has epiglottitis.

Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

The correct answer is choice B. Instruct the client to notify the provider if diarrhea develops.

Choice A rationale:

Infusing the medication over 10 minutes is incorrect because penicillin G should typically be infused over 15-30 minutes to ensure proper administration and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to notify the provider if diarrhea develops is correct because diarrhea can be a sign of a serious side effect, such as antibiotic-associated colitis, which requires prompt medical attention.

Choice C rationale:

Refrigerating the medication after reconstitution is not necessary for penicillin G. This instruction is more relevant for other medications that require refrigeration to maintain stability.

Choice D rationale:

Checking the client for a sulfa allergy is not relevant to penicillin G, as it is not a sulfa drug. This action would be more appropriate for medications containing sulfonamides.

This is because epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe airway obstruction and respiratory distress in children. The nurse should monitor the child for signs of worsening breathing, such as stridor, cyanosis, restlessness, or drooling. The nurse should also be prepared to assist with intubation or tracheostomy if needed.
Choice A is wrong because assessing the child for frequent swallowing may increase the risk of vomiting and aspiration. Swallowing may also be difficult and painful for the child due to the inflammation of the epiglottis.
Choice C is wrong because suctioning the child’s oropharynx may cause more swelling and irritation of the epiglottis, or trigger a spasm that can close off the airway. The nurse should avoid any stimulation of the throat or mouth that may worsen the condition.
Choice D is wrong because administering pancreatic enzymes with meals is not relevant to epiglottitis. Pancreatic enzymes are used to treat cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. Epiglottitis is caused by a bacterial infection or an injury to the throat.