A nurse is caring for a pre-school age child who has epiglottitis and presents with a high fever, drooling, and a muffled voice. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Use a tongue depressor to observe the epiglottis.
Initiate airborne precautions.
Monitor oxygen saturation.
Obtain a throat culture.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Using a tongue depressor can provoke spasm of the epiglottis and lead to airway obstruction; therefore, this action is contraindicated in a child with epiglottitis.
B. Airborne precautions are not necessary for epiglottitis; droplet precautions are more appropriate due to the risk of transmission.
C. Monitoring oxygen saturation is critical in this situation to assess the child's respiratory status and ensure adequate oxygenation, making it the most appropriate action.
D. Obtaining a throat culture may not be safe or practical in this scenario, as it can provoke further distress and complications; immediate assessment and stabilization are prioritized.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Visualizing the epiglottis with a tongue depressor is contraindicated in suspected epiglottitis due to the risk of triggering airway obstruction.
B. Transporting the child to radiology for a throat x-ray is not a priority and can delay necessary interventions.
C. Obtaining a throat culture is not appropriate in this situation, as airway compromise can occur quickly, and immediate management is crucial.
D. Placing the child in an upright position helps ease breathing and can alleviate distress, which is vital for a child with suspected epiglottitis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Monitoring lung function and oxygen saturation is important but not the primary purpose of chest physiotherapy.
B. Chest physiotherapy does not primarily focus on pain relief or reducing inflammation; instead, it targets mucus clearance.
C. Chest physiotherapy is primarily performed to enhance lung function by mobilizing and clearing thick mucus from the airways, which is critical in managing cystic fibrosis and preventing infections.
D. While medications can be administered via nebulization, chest physiotherapy itself is not used for direct medication delivery but rather for airway clearance.