The nurse is assessing a 4-year old client who was sent to the emergency department from urgent care. Assessment reveals tripod positioning, blue lips, mottled skin, inspiratory stridor, and excessive drooling. Vital signs are:
Temp: 39 C (102.2 F)
HR: 188
RR: 46
02: 81%
What is the priority action for the nurse to take at this time?
Keep the child him and call for emergency airway equipment
Assess the throat for a cherry red epiglottis
Place the child on a knee to chest position
Obtain IV access and start IV fluids
The Correct Answer is A
A. The child is showing signs of severe respiratory distress, likely due to epiglottitis. The priority is to keep the child calm to avoid further airway obstruction and to prepare for emergency airway management.
B. While assessing the throat for epiglottitis is important, direct visualization of the throat can cause spasm and worsen airway obstruction.
C. The knee-to-chest position is typically used in cases of respiratory distress in infants (e.g., with RSV), but not in this case.
D. While IV access and fluids may be necessary, the immediate priority is securing the airway.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The child is showing signs of severe respiratory distress, likely due to epiglottitis. The priority is to keep the child calm to avoid further airway obstruction and to prepare for emergency airway management.
B. While assessing the throat for epiglottitis is important, direct visualization of the throat can cause spasm and worsen airway obstruction.
C. The knee-to-chest position is typically used in cases of respiratory distress in infants (e.g., with RSV), but not in this case.
D. While IV access and fluids may be necessary, the immediate priority is securing the airway.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Kawasaki disease typically presents with fever, rash, and conjunctivitis, not a machine-like murmur or the other cardiovascular findings.
B. Tricuspid Atresia involves a defect in the tricuspid valve and presents with cyanosis and poor circulation, but not a machine-like murmur.
C. Tetralogy of Fallot involves a murmur due to pulmonary stenosis and VSD but would not produce a "machine-like" murmur, which is characteristic of PDA.
D. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) results in a continuous "machine-like" murmur due to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery, along with findings of pulmonary congestion and right ventricular hypertrophy.
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