Question

The emergency department nurse is caring for a child diagnosed with epiglottitis. In assessing the child, the nurse should monitor for which indication that the child may be experiencing airway obstruction?

A. Hoarseness
B. Cyanosis
C. Bradycardia
D. Decreased respiratory rate

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor for cyanosis as a key indicator of airway obstruction in a child with epiglottitis. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to inadequate oxygenation. Other symptoms like hoarseness, cough, and shortness of breath should also be observed.

Step-by-step explanation:

In assessing a child diagnosed with epiglottitis for indications of potential airway obstruction, a nurse should monitor for various signs. Among the options provided, cyanosis is a key indicator of airway obstruction. Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin, resulting from inadequate oxygenation of the blood. This can occur when the airway is obstructed, preventing sufficient oxygen from reaching the lungs and consequently the bloodstream. Apart from cyanosis, other symptoms such as shortness of breath, hoarseness, difficulty or pain with swallowing, and cough are also consistent with obstructive respiratory conditions and should be monitored. Furthermore, the presence of wheezes or stridor—high-pitched breathing sounds typically associated with narrowed air passages—can also be indicative of an obstruction in the respiratory pathway.