Saturday, May 18, 2013

NCLEX Review Question for Epiglotis

,
What is the nursing priority for a patient with epiglottitis?
A. administer steroids
B. assist in endotracheal intubation
C. assist in tracheostomy
D. apply warm moist pack

The correct answer is C.
Rationale: Epiglottitis is an emergency situation requiring immediate intervention: the inflamed epiglottis is blocking the entrance to the trachea, therefore clearing the patient’s AIRWAY is the priority nursing action (eliminate options A and D).  Option C is better than Option B; endotracheal intubation will be difficult because the inflamed epiglottis will not permit the insertion of a laryngoscope.

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