Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

When planning care for a child with epiglottitis, which intervention should be prioritized?

1. Providing psychological support

2. Ensuring respiratory patency

3. Instituting infection control practices

4. Administering prescribed drug therapy

The correct answer is: Ensuring respiratory patency

In the context of caring for a child with epiglottitis, ensuring respiratory patency is of utmost priority due to the potential for airway obstruction. Epiglottitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis that can rapidly lead to swelling and compromise the airway, which can be life-threatening. If the airway becomes obstructed, the child may experience severe respiratory distress, making it imperative for healthcare providers to maintain a clear and open airway. Immediate interventions may include monitoring the child’s respiratory status, providing supplemental oxygen if needed, and preparing for potential intubation or emergency airway management. This focus on maintaining respiratory function takes precedence over other considerations, as compromised breathing can lead to rapid deterioration and requires urgent action. Other interventions, while important, do not take precedence in the acute management of epiglottitis. Providing psychological support can help the child and family cope with the stress of the illness, but it is secondary to addressing the immediate physical needs. Infection control practices are necessary to prevent the spread of infection, yet they do not directly address the immediate danger posed by airway obstruction. Similarly, administering prescribed drug therapy is essential for treating the underlying infection and inflammation, but without ensuring airway patency first, these measures may not be effective if the child