A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a 3-year-old child who has suspected epiglottitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Prepare to assist with intubation.
B.
Prepare a cool mist tent.
C.
Suction the child’s oropharynx.
D.
Obtain a throat culture.
For a 3-year-old child with suspected epiglottitis, the nurse should:
A. Prepare to assist with intubation.
Explanation:
Epiglottitis is a serious condition where the epiglottis (a flap of tissue at the base of the tongue) becomes inflamed and can obstruct the airway. Immediate airway management is crucial to ensure the child’s safety due to the risk of rapid and severe airway obstruction. Here’s why the other options are not appropriate in this context:
- B. Prepare a cool mist tent: While cool mist might be used to comfort the child and ease symptoms in other respiratory conditions, it is not a priority for epiglottitis, where airway management is critical.
- C. Suction the child’s oropharynx: Suctioning could cause additional irritation and risk of further airway compromise. In cases of suspected epiglottitis, the focus should be on securing the airway rather than suctioning.
- D. Obtain a throat culture: Taking a throat culture could provoke further airway obstruction and is generally not performed until the airway is secured. Diagnosis and treatment should focus on securing the airway and managing the child’s immediate needs.
Therefore, A. Prepare to assist with intubation is the most appropriate action to ensure the child’s airway is protected and to manage the risk of potential respiratory compromise.