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 B
Explanation
A. Enforcing strict bed rest without any physical activity can lead to feelings of isolation and boredom, which may negatively affect the child's well-being and engagement.
B. Allowing the child to decorate their hospital room with personal items fosters a sense of ownership and comfort, helping to promote emotional well-being and engagement during hospitalization.
C. Limiting visits can increase feelings of loneliness and anxiety in the child, which is not conducive to their emotional health; maintaining social connections is important for well-being.
D. Using medical terms may confuse the child and does not support their understanding or engagement; explanations should be age-appropriate and easily understood.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This option is incorrect as it does not describe the expected blood pressure difference in coarctation of the aorta.
B. Coarctation of the aorta typically presents with higher blood pressure in the upper body (arms) and lower blood pressure in the lower body (legs) due to the obstruction of blood flow distal to the aortic arch.
C. This option is incorrect because while coarctation can lead to decreased perfusion in the lower extremities, it does not typically result in decreased blood pressure in both the arms and legs simultaneously.
D. While increased blood pressure may occur in the arms, the legs would not typically show increased blood pressure in cases of coarctation.