A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child who has varicella about the management of the disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation. While it may be beneficial in some cases of allergic reactions, it is not the first-line treatment for severe
anaphylaxis. In this situation, the priority is to address the immediate symptoms and stabilize the child's condition.

B. Administering oxygen is an important intervention, especially if the child is experiencing respiratory distress. However, in the case of severe anaphylaxis, administering epinephrine is the highest priority as it addresses multiple aspects of the reaction, including airway constriction,
low blood pressure, and hives.

C. This is the correct action. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It works rapidly to improve breathing, increase blood pressure, and reduce allergic symptoms. It is considered the most critical intervention in this situation.

D. Nebulized bronchodilators can be beneficial for respiratory distress, but they are not the first-line treatment for severe anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is more effective in rapidly reversing the
allergic reaction and stabilizing the child's condition. It addresses a broader range of symptoms in anaphylaxis compared to a bronchodilator.

A. Assisting the child into a supine position is contraindicated in acute epiglottitis. This can lead to airway obstruction. The child should be allowed to assume a position of comfort, which is typically sitting up and leaning forward.

B. While obtaining a throat culture may be indicated for diagnostic purposes, it is not the first priority in the care of a child with acute epiglottitis. The immediate concern is ensuring airway patency and providing appropriate respiratory support.

C. This is the correct action. Acute epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can rapidly lead to airway obstruction. Initiating droplet isolation precautions helps protect healthcare providers and other patients from potential transmission of the causative organism (often Haemophilus influenzae type B).

D. Checking oxygen saturation every 4 hours is important for monitoring respiratory status, but in the case of acute epiglottitis, continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation is often necessary due to the risk of sudden airway obstruction. This action does not address the immediate priority of ensuring a patent airway.