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 ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Pertussis, or whooping cough, primarily affects the respiratory tract, particularly the trachea and bronchi, not just the nostrils.
B. Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, making this statement incorrect as the infection is bacterial, not viral.
C. The toxins released by Bordetella pertussis damage the cilia of epithelial cells in the respiratory tract, leading to difficulty in clearing secretions.
D. The inflammation of the lungs and airways is a characteristic response to the infection, contributing to the symptoms of coughing and difficulty breathing.
E. The production of thick, mucus secretions is a hallmark of pertussis, which makes it challenging for the child to expel them, leading to severe coughing fits.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A stool fat content analysis can suggest malabsorption issues but does not specifically confirm cystic fibrosis.
B. The sweat chloride test measures the amount of chloride in the sweat, with elevated levels confirming a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
C. Pulmonary function tests assess lung function but are not definitive for diagnosing cystic fibrosis.
D. A sputum culture can identify respiratory infections but is not specific for cystic fibrosis diagnosis.