The nurse is caring for a toddler with acute laryngotracheobronchitis. Which action aids in bronchodilation to improve breathing for this child?

A. Teaching the child to take long, slow breaths:

While teaching slow breathing techniques can be helpful in managing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm, it may not directly address the underlying airway inflammation and bronchodilation needed in acute laryngotracheobronchitis.

B. Assisting with racemic epinephrine nebulizer therapy:

Racemic epinephrine is a medication that contains epinephrine, a bronchodilator. Nebulizer therapy with racemic epinephrine helps reduce airway inflammation, allowing for bronchodilation and improved breathing. This is a common intervention for managing acute respiratory distress in conditions like croup.

C. Administering an oral analgesic:

Oral analgesics, such as pain medications, can provide relief from discomfort or pain, but they do not directly address the bronchodilation needed for conditions like acute laryngotracheobronchitis.

D. Administering a corticosteroid:

Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the airways. By doing so, they contribute to bronchodilation and improved breathing in conditions like croup. Corticosteroids are often used as part of the treatment plan for acute laryngotracheobronchitis.

A. The deciduous teeth falling out:

The falling out of deciduous (baby) teeth is a natural part of early childhood development and is not specifically indicative of adolescence. The loss of deciduous teeth usually occurs before the age of 12.

B. The beginning of puberty:

Puberty is the period of physical and sexual development that marks the transition from childhood to adolescence. It involves the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development in girls and facial hair growth in boys, along with other physical changes.

C. The child becoming self-supported:

Becoming self-supported is a broad concept that can occur at various stages of development and is not a specific marker of the beginning of adolescence. Adolescents may gain increasing independence, but this is a gradual process.

D. The fine motor skills fully developed:

Fine motor skills typically develop during early childhood, and the full development of these skills is not a specific marker for the beginning of adolescence. Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscle movements and are important for tasks like writing and drawing.