Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

In caring for a school-age child with epiglottitis, which action should the nurse prioritize?

1. Obtain a throat culture from the child.

2. Monitor the child's oxygen saturation.

3. Put a warm mist humidifier in the child's room.

4. Place the child in the supine position.

The correct answer is: Monitor the child's oxygen saturation.

Monitoring the child's oxygen saturation is crucial in the care of a school-age child with epiglottitis. This condition can lead to airway obstruction due to the inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which can compromise the child's ability to breathe effectively. By continuously monitoring oxygen saturation levels, the nurse can quickly identify any deterioration in the child's respiratory status, indicating that the airway may be obstructed or that supplemental oxygen is required. Prioritizing oxygen saturation monitoring ensures timely intervention if the child begins to show signs of respiratory distress, which can be life-threatening. Early detection allows for prompt actions, such as positioning the child to optimize airway patency or providing emergency interventions if needed. In contrast, obtaining a throat culture, while it can aid in diagnosing the causative agent of epiglottitis, should not be the immediate priority due to the risk of airway compromise. Using a warm mist humidifier can provide comfort but does not directly address the critical need to assess and maintain an open airway. Placing the child in the supine position can further obstruct breathing in cases of epiglottitis, making it an inappropriate action for this scenario. Hence, monitoring oxygen saturation is a vital nursing action that addresses the primary concern of maintaining the child's airway