A nurse is preparing to administer a dexamethasone 1.5 mg/kg/day PO to divide equally every 6 hr to a preschool-age child who weighs 22 lb. Available is dexamethasone oral solution 1 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

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.

A. Taking the infant's vital signs every 2 hr: Monitoring vital signs every 2 hours can help assess the infant’s general condition and detect changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can indicate changes in hydration status. However, it might not be sufficient alone to monitor fluid status.

B. Counting the number of wet diapers every shift: Tracking the number of wet diapers is an effective way to monitor the infant's fluid output and hydration status. An increase in wet diapers typically indicates improved hydration. This is a practical and non-invasive method for assessing the effectiveness of IV therapy in infants.

C. Weighing the infant at the same time every day: Daily weights are a critical measure of fluid balance in infants. A consistent daily weight check provides a direct and accurate assessment of the infant’s hydration status and response to IV therapy.

D. Measuring the infant's head circumference twice per day: Measuring head circumference is not relevant for monitoring hydration status. It is typically used to assess growth and development in infants, not fluid balance or response to IV therapy.