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. Weak pulses are more indicative of reduced cardiac output or other cardiac issues, rather than specifically a large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
B. Cyanosis with crying can occur in various conditions, but it is not a hallmark of a large PDA; it typically presents with other symptoms.
C. Chronic hypoxemia is more associated with severe heart defects or lung conditions, whereas a large PDA may present with other signs first.
D. A systolic murmur is a classic finding in large PDAs due to the left-to-right shunting of blood, making it the most expected manifestation in this scenario.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Tricuspid atresia typically leads to decreased pulmonary blood flow due to the absence of normal blood flow to the lungs.
B. Patent ductus arteriosus results in increased pulmonary blood flow because it allows blood to flow from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, increasing the volume of blood going to the lungs.
C. Coarctation of the aorta can cause decreased blood flow to the lower body, which may not directly relate to increased pulmonary blood flow.
D. Tetralogy of Fallot is characterized by decreased pulmonary blood flow due to right ventricular outflow obstruction, making it not associated with increased pulmonary blood flow.