A nurse is admitting a child who has acute epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Obtain a throat culture.
B.
Initiate droplet isolation precautions.
C.
Assist the child into a supine position.
D.
Check oxygen saturation every 4 hr.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Initiate droplet isolation precautions.
Explanation:
Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition caused by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, typically due to bacterial infection, such as Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). It primarily affects young children and can lead to severe airway obstruction. Immediate and appropriate management is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring the child’s safety.
A. Obtain a throat culture: This action is not recommended during the acute phase of epiglottitis. Performing a throat culture could exacerbate the obstruction or lead to sudden airway collapse. Instead, diagnosis is usually confirmed through clinical evaluation and imaging, such as a lateral neck X-ray, which might show a swollen epiglottis.
B. Initiate droplet isolation precautions: This is the correct action because epiglottitis is often caused by bacterial infections that can be spread through respiratory droplets. Droplet isolation precautions are necessary to prevent the transmission of the infection to others and protect the child from exposure to additional pathogens. This involves using masks, gowns, and gloves as well as ensuring proper hygiene practices.
C. Assist the child into a supine position: This is contraindicated in epiglottitis. The supine position could worsen the airway obstruction. Children with epiglottitis are typically more comfortable in a sitting or upright position, which can help keep the airway open and reduce respiratory distress.
D. Check oxygen saturation every 4 hr: While monitoring oxygen saturation is important, checking it every 4 hours is not frequent enough given the severity of epiglottitis. The child’s oxygen saturation and overall respiratory status should be monitored continuously and more frequently due to the risk of rapid deterioration.
In summary, initiating droplet isolation precautions is essential for controlling the spread of the infection and protecting both the child and others from potential harm. Proper management and monitoring are critical in the emergency setting to ensure the child’s safety and effective treatment.