Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What action should a nurse take when suspecting epiglottitis in a toddler?

1. Prepare the toddler for nasotracheal intubation.

2. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.

3. Encourage the toddler to drink fluids.

4. Perform a throat culture.

The correct answer is: Prepare the toddler for nasotracheal intubation.

When a nurse suspects epiglottitis in a toddler, the most appropriate action is to prepare the toddler for nasotracheal intubation. This condition can cause severe airway obstruction due to inflammation of the epiglottis, and immediate intervention is critical to secure the airway. Intubation may be necessary to prevent respiratory distress or failure, as the swelling in the throat can quickly jeopardize the child's ability to breathe. In addition to securing the airway, the health care team will likely initiate other supportive measures, such as administering antibiotics, but airway protection is the priority in acute cases. Other actions like encouraging fluid intake or performing a throat culture are not suitable as they do not address the immediate risk of airway compromise associated with epiglottitis. The urgency of the situation requires a focus on managing the airway first and foremost.