ATI NU2508 Leadership Final Exam Related

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A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department. Which of the following clients should the nurse ask the provider to care for first?

  • A. A toddler who has asthma and has a pulse oximetry reading of 95% while receiving oxygen at 2 L/min
  • B. An adolescent who has sickle cell disease, reports pain as 7 on a scale of 0 to 10, and requests pain medication
  • C. A toddler who has otitis media, a temperature of 39.2 C (102.6° F), and purulent ear discharge
  • D. A school-age child who has acute epiglottitis, is drooling, and has an absence of spontaneous cough
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Acute epiglottitis is a medical emergency due to potential airway compromise. The child's drooling and absence of cough indicate a severe obstruction that can rapidly progress to complete airway closure. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent respiratory distress or arrest. Choices A, B, and C have less urgent conditions that can be managed after ensuring the child with epiglottitis receives prompt care. Choice A, although having asthma, is stable with adequate oxygenation. Choice B, although in pain, can wait briefly for pain medication. Choice C, although having otitis media, does not present immediate life-threatening risk compared to epiglottitis.