Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 78%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is planning care for a child who has suspected epiglottitis.A nurse is planning care for a child who has suspected epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Place the child in an upright position. This is because positioning the child upright helps prevent further obstruction of the airway, a priority in suspected epiglottitis. Visualizing the epiglottis with a tongue depressor (A) can trigger a spasm and worsen the condition. Transporting the child for a throat x-ray (B) or obtaining a throat culture (C) can delay immediate intervention. The focus should be on maintaining the airway first.