A nurse is planning care for a child who has suspected epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer:
Place the child in an upright position_
Rationale:
- Epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, leading to airway obstruction. The priority is to maintain airway patency.
- Sitting the child upright allows gravity to aid breathing and reduces airway obstruction.
- Throat cultures and visualizing the throat with a tongue depressor are contraindicated as they can provoke laryngospasm, leading to complete airway obstruction.
- Transport to radiology should not occur until the airway is secured and the child is stable.
- The nurse must prioritize non-invasive airway support and prepare for potential emergency intubation.
