A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a 6-month-old infant following a surgical procedure to repair a hypospadias. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Place the child in a left lateral position: Placing the child in a left lateral position is not the priority action for a preschooler with epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which can rapidly progress to airway obstruction. The priority is to maintain a patent airway and ensure adequate oxygenation.

B. Obtain a specimen from the child's throat for a culture: While obtaining a throat culture may be necessary to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy, it is not the immediate priority in the management of epiglottitis. Airway management and stabilization take precedence.

C. Inspect the child's throat with a padded tongue depressor: Direct visualization of the throat with a padded tongue depressor is contraindicated in a child with suspected epiglottitis. This action can trigger a gag reflex and potentially cause airway obstruction or exacerbate respiratory distress. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency, and any manipulation of the airway should be performed cautiously by experienced healthcare providers in a controlled setting.

D. Initiate droplet precautions for the child: Droplet precautions are appropriate for a child with suspected or confirmed epiglottitis due to the risk of transmission of the causative organism, usually Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), through respiratory droplets. However, the immediate priority is to secure the airway and provide respiratory support. Once the child's airway is stabilized, appropriate infection control measures, including droplet precautions, should be implemented to prevent the spread of infection to others.

A. Dry mouth: Dry mouth is not a common adverse effect of cefazolin. It is more commonly associated with other medications, such as anticholinergic drugs. While dry mouth may be uncomfortable, it is not typically considered a serious adverse effect of cefazolin that requires immediate reporting.

B. Constipation: Constipation is also not a common adverse effect of cefazolin. It is more commonly associated with other medications, dietary factors, or underlying medical conditions. Similar to dry mouth, constipation is not typically considered a serious adverse effect of cefazolin that requires immediate reporting.

C. Back pain: Back pain is not a common adverse effect of cefazolin. While musculoskeletal adverse effects can occur with some antibiotics, back pain is not typically associated with cefazolin. However, if severe or persistent back pain occurs, it should be reported to the healthcare provider for evaluation.

D. Urticaria: Urticaria, also known as hives, is a potential adverse effect of cefazolin and other antibiotics. It is characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin and can be a sign of an allergic reaction. Urticaria should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately, as it may indicate a serious allergic reaction requiring prompt medical attention.