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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
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 ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. It is important for the client to remain in bed for a specified time (typically 4 to 6 hours) to prevent complications such as bleeding at the catheter insertion site.
B. Checking peripheral pulses in the affected extremity is crucial for assessing circulation and identifying any potential complications, such as hematoma or occlusion.
C. High-Fowler's position is not typically appropriate immediately after cardiac catheterization; the client should remain flat or with limited elevation to reduce stress on the insertion site.
D. Keeping the hip and leg extended is important to prevent flexion at the site of catheter insertion, reducing the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation.
E. Measuring vital signs is essential after a procedure like cardiac catheterization to monitor for any changes that may indicate complications; however, the frequency is typically more frequent than every 4 hours initially.