Exhibits

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a school-age child who has cystic fibrosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? 

Choice A rationale:

Inserting an IV catheter is essential for administering medications and fluids but is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The toddler's airway and breathing are compromised, making airway management the top priority.

Choice B rationale:

Administering an antibiotic is necessary for treating a potential infection, but securing the airway takes precedence when a child is experiencing severe dyspnea and drooling. The toddler's ability to breathe effectively needs to be addressed urgently.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining a blood culture is important for identifying the source of infection but does not address the toddler's immediate breathing difficulty. Securing the airway is the primary concern in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

Hyperpyrexia (extremely high fever) along with severe dyspnea and drooling suggests a potentially life-threatening condition like epiglottitis, which requires immediate intervention. Nasotracheal intubation ensures a patent airway, allowing the child to breathe adequately. Once the airway is secure, further assessments and treatments can be administered.

Choice A rationale:

Asking the parent if they are willing to take new parenting classes is a closed-ended question that does not encourage open communication or exploration of the parent's coping mechanisms. It does not assess the parent's current strategies or provide an opportunity for them to express their concerns.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the parent what they do when their infant is fussy encourages open dialogue and allows the parent to share their coping mechanisms. It provides insight into the parent's current strategies for managing their infant's fussiness, which can guide the nurse in providing appropriate support and education.

Choice C rationale:

Asking if parenting is overwhelming on a bad day is a general question that may not yield specific information about the parent's coping mechanisms. It does not address the parent's strategies for managing their infant's fussiness or provide a clear understanding of their coping skills.

Choice D rationale:

Asking if parenting causes stress is a closed-ended question that may yield a yes or no response without exploring the parent's coping mechanisms in detail. It does not encourage the parent to elaborate on their experiences or provide specific information about their coping strategies.