Question

A child with a tracheal obstruction is brought to the emergency department by emergency medical services. The child aspirated a grape, and the foreign body was removed by direct laryngoscopy. Following the procedure, the nurse plans to inform the mother of the child that:

a) No further action or monitoring is needed
b) The child will need a tracheostomy for long-term management
c) Close observation is necessary for signs of respiratory distress
d) The child is at risk for vocal cord paralysis

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the mother that close observation is necessary for signs of respiratory distress after the foreign body has been removed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Following the removal of a tracheal obstruction, it is critical that the child remains under close observation for signs of respiratory distress. Even after successful removal of the aspirated object, complications such as swelling or injury to the airway tissues can occur. Respiratory distress may manifest as difficulty breathing, increased work of breathing, or changes in the child's behavior or level of consciousness. Emergency medical services and hospital staff will be vigilant for these symptoms due to the potential for a compromised airway even after an object is dislodged. The child's medical team will likely keep the patient for observation to monitor for secondary complications such as swelling, infection, or trauma to the respiratory tissues.