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 A
Explanation
A. Distributive shock, particularly in the context of anaphylaxis, is characterized by widespread vasodilation that leads to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and impaired blood flow to organs despite normal or increased cardiac output.
B. This option is incorrect because distributive shock involves decreased systemic vascular resistance due to vasodilation rather than an increase.
C. This statement describes hypovolemic shock, not distributive shock. Distributive shock is not primarily caused by the loss of blood volume.
D. While loss of myocardial contractility can lead to cardiogenic shock, it is not the mechanism behind distributive shock, which is related to vascular tone rather than heart function.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A child whose parents consistently answer questions on their behalf may indicate a lack of autonomy and could be a sign of potential abuse or neglect, as it may suggest the parents are controlling or overly involved.
B. A child who has frequent visitors does not inherently suggest abuse; in fact, it could indicate support and care from family or friends.
C. Frequent use of the call light could indicate a child's need for assistance or comfort but does not directly correlate with abuse.
D. A child with a BMI indicating obesity is not a definitive indicator of abuse; it may relate to dietary habits or lifestyle factors rather than abuse.