Respiratory Emergencies
A 4-year-old arrives with a high fever, drooling, and is sitting in a tripod position. The nurse notes no cough.
What is epiglottitis?
A 2-year-old has runny nose, cough, and mild fever. Symptoms improve with rest and fluids.
What is nasopharyngitis (common cold)?
A nurse notes widening of the nostrils during breathing in an infant.
What is nasal flaring?
A child presents with wheezing, dyspnea, and difficulty exhaling.
What is asthma?
A child has thick mucus, chronic cough, and salty-tasting skin.
What is cystic fibrosis?
A child with suspected epiglottitis suddenly becomes agitated. What is the nurse’s priority action?
What is prepare for airway management (intubation equipment ready)?
A child has had URI symptoms for over 10 days with worsening congestion and facial pain.
What is sinusitis?
A child has visible pulling in of the chest muscles during inspiration.
What are retractions?
A child develops shortness of breath after playing outside in cold weather.
What is an asthma trigger (cold air)?
A child with cystic fibrosis requires this therapy to help clear secretions.
What is chest physiotherapy?
A nurse attempts to visualize the throat of a child with drooling and stridor. This action could cause this life-threatening complication.
What is complete airway obstruction?
A child presents with high fever and sore throat. Untreated, this could lead to this serious complication.
What is rheumatic fever?
A child makes a grunting sound during expiration. This is an attempt to do this.
What is keep alveoli open?
A child uses a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack. This medication does this.
What is bronchodilation (opens airways)?
A child with cystic fibrosis is underweight. The diet should be this.
What is high-calorie, high-protein diet?
A child presents with inspiratory stridor and a barking cough that worsens at night.
What is croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)?
A child has fever, tachypnea, and crackles on auscultation. Chest X-ray shows fluid in alveoli.
What is pneumonia?
A late sign of respiratory distress characterized by bluish discoloration.
What is cyanosis?
A child is instructed to blow into a device as hard and fast as possible to monitor lung function.
What is a peak flow meter?
A newborn has respiratory distress due to lack of surfactant.
What is respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?
A child with severe asthma is not responding to bronchodilators and is becoming quiet with decreased wheezing. This indicates this condition.
What is status asthmaticus (impending respiratory failure)?
An infant presents with wheezing, cough, and dehydration risk. The nurse initiates contact precautions.
What is bronchiolitis (RSV)?
An infant becomes suddenly quiet with decreased respiratory effort after distress. This is a sign of this.
What is impending respiratory failure?
A child with asthma becomes drowsy and has decreased wheezing. This is most concerning for this.
What is respiratory failure?
A premature infant shows tachypnea, nasal flaring, and retractions shortly after birth.
What is RDS?