The nurse in the pediatric clinic is caring for a toddler presenting with upper respiratory cold symptoms including a sore throat and fever, but no cough. The throat culture shows no growth. During discharge education, which instruction should the nurse include for the family?
Avoid lying the toddler flat on the back.
Monitor closely for drooling and agitation.
Inspect the throat for exudate.
Listen for the development of hoarseness.
The Correct Answer is B
Brief introduction:
Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening supraglottic inflammation typically caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b. Rapid swelling of the epiglottis can lead to total airway occlusion within minutes or hours. Classic clinical presentation includes the "four Ds": drooling, dysphagia, dysphonia, and distressed inspiratory efforts, requiring immediate medical intervention to secure a patent airway via intubation or tracheostomy.
Rationale:
A. Avoiding lying the toddler flat on the back is a general comfort measure for congestion, but it is not the priority instruction. While an upright position may help with drainage, it does not address the high-risk potential for sudden obstruction seen in pediatric respiratory emergencies. The nurse must focus on identifying signs of imminent respiratory failure.
B. Monitoring closely for drooling and agitation is the most critical instruction. These symptoms indicate that the toddler cannot swallow secretions due to severe edema and is experiencing hypoxia. Agitation is an early sign of impending obstruction, and its presence requires immediate emergency evaluation to prevent complete respiratory arrest and ensure patient safety.
C. Inspecting the throat for exudate is strictly contraindicated if epiglottitis is suspected. Any manipulation of the posterior pharynx or use of a tongue blade can trigger reflex laryngospasm, leading to immediate and total airway blockage. The nurse should instruct the family never to attempt to visualize the throat during a respiratory crisis.
D. Listening for the development of hoarseness is a common assessment for viral croup or laryngitis. However, in cases of severe supraglottic swelling, the voice is more likely to be muffled or quiet rather than hoarse. The family should prioritize watching for stridor and drooling, which are much more indicative of a life-threatening upper airway emergency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Brief introduction:
Bisphosphonates are a class of medications (such as alendronate or zoledronic acid) used to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, thereby increasing bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk in postmenopausal women. However, a rare but severe adverse effect of long-term or high-dose bisphosphonate therapy is Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). This condition is characterized by the death of jawbone tissue, typically following invasive dental work or trauma, and often presents as persistent pain, swelling, or exposed bone that fails to heal.
Rationale:
A. Reporting the jaw pain to the healthcare provider is the priority action. Because ONJ is a serious complication that can lead to permanent bone damage or the need for surgery, the HCP must be notified immediately to evaluate the client and potentially suspend the medication. Early detection is critical to preventing the progression of bone necrosis.
B. Jaw pain is not a common symptom of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is often a "silent" disease until a fracture occurs, and it typically affects the spine, hips, or wrists. Attributing jaw pain to the underlying disease would be a dangerous clinical oversight that ignores a known medication-induced emergency.
C. Determining administration technique (e.g., staying upright for 30 minutes, taking on an empty stomach) is vital for preventing esophageal irritation, but it does not address the acute risk of jaw necrosis. While administration education is a key part of bisphosphonate therapy, it is secondary to the immediate safety risk indicated by jaw pain.
D. Advising the client to gargle with salt water is an inappropriate and ineffective intervention for bone necrosis. Saltwater gargles are used for minor oral irritations or sore throats, but they cannot treat the deep ischemic bone death associated with bisphosphonate-related ONJ. This response delays necessary medical intervention.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are hardy, multidrug-resistant organisms that can survive for long periods on environmental surfaces. Because VRE is primarily spread through physical contact with the patient or contaminated items, strict infection control measures are vital to prevent horizontal transmission within the healthcare facility. Management focuses on isolating the pathogen and monitoring the systemic response to the localized venous ulcer infection.
Rationale:
A. Instituting contact precautions is the standard of care for suspected or confirmed VRE. This includes placing the client in a private room and requiring staff and visitors to wear gloves and gowns upon entry. These barriers are essential to prevent the colonization of other patients and the spread of resistant bacteria via the hands of healthcare workers.
B. Monitoring the white blood cell (WBC) count is a necessary intervention to evaluate the severity of the infection and the body's immune response. An elevated WBC count (leukocytosis) with a "left shift" indicates an active systemic struggle against the bacteria. Tracking these trends helps the nurse determine if the infection is stabilizing or progressing toward sepsis.
C. Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity is the definitive step in confirming the diagnosis and identifying effective antibiotics. Since the infection has already proven resistant to vancomycin, the laboratory must determine which other pharmacological agents, such as linezolid or daptomycin, remain viable treatment options for this specific strain.
D. Using only standard precautions and a mask is insufficient for VRE. While standard precautions apply to all patients, the presence of a resistant organism requires enhanced precautions. Furthermore, VRE is not typically transmitted via the respiratory route, so a mask is not the primary requirement; rather, gowns and gloves to prevent skin-to-surface contact are the priority.
E. Explaining a low-bacteria (neutropenic) diet is not indicated for this client. Low-bacteria diets are generally reserved for severely immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing bone marrow transplants, to prevent foodborne illness. A client with a venous ulcer and VRE requires high-protein nutrition to support wound healing rather than a restricted bacterial-load diet.
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