A child who was found face down in a water-fileld ditch is brought into the ER. The child, who has a pulse of 50 bpm but no spontaneous respirations, is intubated and bagged with 100% oxygen. The most important nursing measure at this time would be to:
1. Assit the MD in delivering intracardiac meds
2. Suction the ETT, mouth and nasal passages
3. Start an IV line to provide fluid and electrolytes
4. Call the PICU to inform them of the childs admission
Doesn't state the age. Please give rationale. Good luck!
Aneroo, LPN
1,518 Posts
Answer:
2- The priority focus now is to establish breathing
1- The child has a pulse of 50, which can be addressed later.
3- An IV can be started later; suctioning to ensure airway is priority
4- The ICU can be called once the child's vital signs are stablizied and a patent airway is ensured