A six-year-old girl is brought to the emergency department. She has a "frog-like croaking sound" on inspiration, is agitated, and is drooling. She insists on sitting upright. The nurse should first do which of the following?
Get emergency equipment at the bedside.
Make her lie down and rest quietly.
Complete a thorough neurological assessment.
Auscultate her lungs and prepare for administering oxygen.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because the girl's symptoms indicate that she may have epiglottitis, a life-threatening condition that causes swelling of the epiglottis and obstructs the airway. The nurse should be prepared for a possible intubation or tracheostomy.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because making the girl lie down and rest quietly may worsen her respiratory distress and anxiety. The girl should be allowed to sit in a position of comfort and ease of breathing.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because a thorough neurological assessment is not the priority in this situation. The nurse should focus on the girl's airway, breathing, and circulation.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because auscultating the lungs and preparing for administering oxygen may not be sufficient to manage the girl's airway obstruction. The nurse should also have emergency equipment ready and call for assistance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory tract infection is not a correct answer because it is not a complication of examining the child's throat. It is a possible cause of epiglottitis, which is an inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap that covers the entrance to the trachea.
Choice B reason: Sore throat is not a correct answer because it is not a complication of examining the child's throat. It is a symptom of epiglottitis, along with fever, difficulty swallowing, and drooling.
Choice C reason: Complete airway obstruction is the correct answer because it is a life-threatening complication of examining the child's throat. The tongue depressor can trigger a spasm of the epiglottis, which can block the airway and cause respiratory distress or arrest.
Choice D reason: Inspiratory stridor is not a correct answer because it is not a complication of examining the child's throat. It is a sign of upper airway obstruction, which can occur in epiglottitis, but it is not caused by the tongue depressor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Having a decongestant available to give the child when an attack occurs is not a correct answer because decongestants are not recommended for children under 6 years old. They can cause side effects such as increased heart rate, irritability, and insomnia.
Choice B reason: Having the child sleep in a dry room is not a correct answer because dry air can worsen the inflammation and swelling of the airway. Moist air can help soothe the throat and reduce the coughing.
Choice C reason: Keeping the child's room humidified is the correct answer because humidified air can help loosen the mucus and ease the breathing. A cool-mist humidifier or a steamy bathroom can provide humidification.
Choice D reason: Giving the child an antibiotic at bedtime is not a correct answer because antibiotics are not effective for croup, which is usually caused by a virus. Antibiotics can also cause adverse reactions such as rash, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
