Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Full-length
A 4-year-old is brought to the emergency department with sudden onset of a temperature of 103┬░F (39.5┬░C), sore throat, and refusal to drink. The child will not lie down and prefers to lean forward while sitting up. Which of the following should the nurse do next?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The symptoms suggest epiglottitis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate airway management. Preparing a tracheostomy tube is the priority to ensure airway patency if obstruction occurs.