Question

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a school-age child who has epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Encourage the child to drink cold fluids.
B. Perform a throat culture to confirm the diagnosis.
C. Avoid using a tongue depressor during the examination.
D. Administer antibiotics through an intramuscular injection.

Answer 1

In the case of epiglottitis, treating the child in an emergency department involves securing the airway and administering antibiotics intravenously, not intramuscularly, to ensure rapid and effective treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a school-age child who has epiglottitis, it is crucial to provide immediate treatment to ensure an open airway and prevent further complications. In an emergency department setting, the nurse should prioritize securing the airway. When it comes to administering antibiotics, the route of administration for a severe infection such as epiglottitis often requires intravenous (IV) delivery, rather than intramuscular injection, as IV administration achieves higher plasma levels more rapidly.

This is essential in severe infections where timely and effective antibiotic therapy is crucial. Parenteral administration is usually performed in healthcare settings to ensure proper management and response to the treatment. Amoxicillin and other antibiotics like ceftriaxone can be administered intravenously to manage serious infections such as epiglottitis.