Which test would the nurse expect the primary care provider to order to look for exposure to tuberculosis?

A. While obtaining a peak flow reading can provide valuable information about the child’s lung function and severity of the exacerbation, it is not the priority action during a status asthmaticus situation. The immediate focus should be on reversing the acute bronchospasm and ensuring the child can breathe effectively.
B. Identifying the cause of the asthma exacerbation (such as allergens, respiratory infections, or environmental factors) is important for long-term management and prevention. However, during a crisis, the priority is to address the immediate respiratory distress rather than to investigate the underlying cause.
C. Short-acting beta-2 agonists (e.g., albuterol) are the first-line treatment during an acute asthma exacerbation because they work quickly to relax bronchial smooth muscle and relieve airway obstruction. Administering a SABA can rapidly improve the child's breathing and oxygenation.
D. Inhaled glucocorticoids (e.g., fluticasone) are used to reduce inflammation in the airways and are important in long-term asthma management. However, they do not act as quickly as SABAs and are not the first step in the acute management of status asthmaticus. While they may be part of the treatment plan, they should follow the administration of a SABA during an acute episode.

A. While monitoring the child’s temperature is important for assessing fever and overall condition, it does not directly prevent the transmission of streptococcal infection. This response does not address methods to prevent spreading the illness to others.
B. Giving Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help relieve pain and reduce fever, which is important for the child’s comfort. However, this response does not address disease transmission prevention. It’s more about symptom management rather than infection control.
C. Discarding the toothbrush is a key infection control measure. Since the toothbrush can harbor bacteria from the throat, it’s essential to replace it after the child has been treated for streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent re-infection and reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria to others.
D. While encouraging fluid intake is important for recovery and can help soothe a sore throat, this response does not specifically address the prevention of disease transmission. It focuses more on the child’s care rather than controlling the spread of infection.