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 D
Explanation
A. Improved hydration is important but not directly indicative of an asthma attack improvement.
B. A barking cough is often associated with conditions like croup and does not indicate improvement in asthma symptoms.
C. Decreased temperature is not a specific indicator of improvement in asthma and may not correlate with the severity of an asthma attack.
D. Decreased stridor indicates a reduction in airway obstruction and inflammation, signifying an improvement in the child’s respiratory status during an asthma attack.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Encouraging excessive rest and avoidance of physical activities can lead to feelings of inferiority by limiting opportunities for achievement and social interactions.
B. Limiting social interactions is counterproductive, as friendships and peer relationships are critical for social development during this stage.
C. While supervision is important, overly controlling the child’s activities can inhibit their ability to explore and learn, negatively impacting their sense of industry.
D. Involving the child in decision-making and providing opportunities for independent tasks fosters a sense of competence and accomplishment, essential for developing a sense of industry, according to Erikson’s theory.