Question

The mother of a child with LTB asks why her child must be kept NPO. The nurse explains that:

a) It prevents aspiration
b) It minimizes coughing
c) It reduces fever
d) It promotes sleep

Answer 1

Keeping a child with LTB NPO is to prevent aspiration, as eating or drinking could lead to food or liquids entering the lungs, causing severe complications.Thus the correct option is a.

Step-by-step explanation:

The explanation for keeping a child with LTB (Laryngotracheobronchitis) NPO (nothing by mouth) is to prevent aspiration. Aspiration could occur if the child vomits or has difficulty swallowing due to the inflammation and swelling associated with LTB. Because of the airway involvement and the risk for obstruction, allowing the child to eat or drink increases the risk of food or liquids being aspirated into the lungs, which could worsen the condition and lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.