The nurse is caring for a toddler with acute laryngotracheobronchitis. Which action aids in bronchodilation to improve breathing for this child?
A.
Teaching the child to take long, slow breaths
B.
Assisting with racemic epinephrine nebulizer therapy
C.
Administering an oral analgesic
D.
Administering a corticosteroid
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Assisting with racemic epinephrine nebulizer therapy.
Explanation:
Acute laryngotracheobronchitis, commonly known as croup, is a respiratory condition typically seen in young children and characterized by inflammation of the upper airways, including the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. This inflammation leads to symptoms such as a characteristic “barking” cough, stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound), and respiratory distress.
Racemic epinephrine nebulizer therapy is a key treatment for acute laryngotracheobronchitis because it helps to reduce airway swelling and improve breathing. Racemic epinephrine is a medication that acts as a potent bronchodilator, which means it relaxes the muscles around the airways and opens them up, allowing air to flow more freely. The medication is delivered via a nebulizer, which turns the liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled directly into the lungs. This method of administration provides rapid relief of symptoms such as stridor and respiratory distress, which are common in croup.
Option A, teaching the child to take long, slow breaths, while beneficial for general breathing exercises, does not address the underlying inflammation or provide immediate bronchodilation. Option C, administering an oral analgesic, is not appropriate for managing the inflammation associated with croup. Analgesics may help with discomfort but do not directly improve airway patency or reduce swelling. Option D, administering a corticosteroid, while effective in reducing inflammation in the airways over time, does not provide the immediate relief that racemic epinephrine offers. Corticosteroids are generally used in conjunction with other treatments but are not the first-line intervention for immediate bronchodilation.
In summary, assisting with racemic epinephrine nebulizer therapy directly targets the airway inflammation and provides immediate bronchodilation, making it the most effective action for improving breathing in a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis.