Question

A mother arrives at the emergency department with her child, and a diagnosis of epiglottitis is documented. Which of the health care provider's prescriptions would be important for the nurse to question?

a) Administering corticosteroids

b) Administering antibiotics

c) Allowing the child to drink cold fluids

d) Allowing the child to assume a comfortable position

Answer 1

In cases of epiglottitis, the nurse should question the prescription of allowing the child to drink cold fluids, as it can worsen the obstruction and cause respiratory distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would need to question the prescription of allowing the child to drink cold fluids. In cases of epiglottitis, the epiglottis becomes inflamed and swollen, blocking the airway and making it difficult to breathe. Allowing the child to drink cold fluids can cause the epiglottis to further swell, potentially worsening the obstruction and causing respiratory distress. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to question this prescription and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to maintain the child's airway.