A nurse is planning care for a toddler who has epiglottitis.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Assess the child for frequent swallowing.
Continuously monitor the child’s respiratory status.
Carefully suction the child’s oropharynx to remove secretions.
Administer pancreatic enzymes with meals.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. It is more difficult to detect in people who have dark skin, so the nurse should look for cyanosis in areas where the skin is thinner and the blood supply is richer, such as the palms of the hands, the lips, the gums, and around the eyes.
These areas are less affected by melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
Choice A is wrong because an area of trauma may have bruising or inflammation that can mask cyanosis.
Choice B is wrong because the sacrum is not a good site to assess for cyanosis in any skin tone, as it is prone to pressure ulcers and poor circulation.
Choice C is wrong because the shoulders are not a mucous membrane and may have more melanin than other areas of the body.
Correct Answer is B,D,A,C
Explanation
B. Review the skill level and qualifications of each AP.
Before delegating tasks, the nurse should assess the skill level and qualifications of each AP to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and training to perform the assigned tasks safely and effectively.
D. Communicate appropriate tasks to the APs with specific expectations.
The nurse should clearly communicate the tasks to be delegated to each AP. This includes providing specific instructions, expectations, and any necessary information to ensure the APs understand what is expected of them and can perform the tasks correctly.
A. Monitor progress of task completion with each AP.
Once the tasks are assigned, the nurse should periodically check in with each AP to monitor the progress of task completion. This allows the nurse to provide support, answer questions, and ensure that tasks are being performed as expected.
C. Evaluate the APs' performance of each task.
After the tasks are completed, the nurse should evaluate the APs' performance of each task. This evaluation helps identify any areas for improvement, additional training needs, and overall competency of the APs.
Delegating tasks to assistive personnel is an essential aspect of nursing practice. Following this sequence of steps helps ensure that tasks are delegated appropriately and that the care provided is safe, efficient, and aligned with the APs' capabilities. Regular communication and feedback are essential to effective task delegation and teamwork within the healthcare setting.
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