Recognizing and Responding to Drooling in Acute Epiglottitis: The Role of the Pediatric Nurse

Which data would warrant immediate intervention from the pediatric nurse? 1. Proteinuria for the child diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome.2. Petechiae for the child diagnosed with leukemia.3. Drooling for a child diagnosed with acute epiglottitis.4. Elevated temperature in a child diagnosed with otitis media.

The data that would warrant immediate intervention from the pediatric nurse is drooling for a child diagnosed with acute epiglottitis

The data that would warrant immediate intervention from the pediatric nurse is drooling for a child diagnosed with acute epiglottitis.

Acute epiglottitis is a serious condition characterized by a rapidly progressive bacterial infection of the epiglottis and often occurs in children between the ages of 2 and 7. It can cause the epiglottis to become swollen, obstructing the airway and leading to respiratory distress. Drooling is a classic symptom of acute epiglottitis and signifies that the child is unable to swallow saliva effectively due to the narrowing of the airway.

Immediate intervention is necessary because acute epiglottitis can quickly progress to complete airway obstruction, causing respiratory distress and possibly leading to respiratory arrest. The nurse should be prepared to provide emergency respiratory support, such as maintaining a patent airway, delivering oxygen, and possibly initiating intubation if necessary. Prompt medical intervention, including the administration of antibiotics to treat the underlying infection, is crucial to prevent severe complications and ensure the child’s safety.

While the other options listed (proteinuria, petechiae, and elevated temperature) are all significant findings, they do not warrant immediate intervention like the drooling in a child with acute epiglottitis. Proteinuria in a child diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome would require ongoing monitoring and management but does not usually necessitate immediate intervention. Petechiae in a child diagnosed with leukemia may indicate a low platelet count, which is concerning, but would require further assessment and intervention rather than immediate action. An elevated temperature in a child diagnosed with otitis media may warrant intervention, such as pain management and administering antibiotics if prescribed, but it is not as urgent as addressing airway obstruction in acute epiglottitis.

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