An 18-month-old infant hospitalized with a severe asthma attack is given prednisolone, 15 mg BD. The nurse should:

Question

Question

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Prevent exposing the child to infection

Rationale:

The administration of prednisolone, a corticosteroid, can suppress the immune system. This makes the child more susceptible to infections.
Infants, especially those hospitalized for severe asthma, are already at a higher risk for complications. Preventing exposure to infections is crucial to avoid additional health issues.
Ensuring a clean and sterile environment, limiting visitors, and following strict hand hygiene protocols are essential steps in preventing the child from contracting infections.

Explanation of Other Options:

Check the child’s eosinophil count daily

Rationale: While eosinophil counts can be indicative of allergic conditions and asthma severity, daily monitoring is not typically necessary or practical. It is more important to monitor the overall clinical status and response to treatment.

Have the child rest as much as possible

Rationale: Rest is important for recovery, but it is not the primary concern when managing a child on corticosteroids for a severe asthma attack. The focus should be on preventing infections and managing symptoms effectively.

Keep the child NPO except for medications

Rationale: Keeping the child NPO (nothing by mouth) is not necessary unless there are specific medical indications, such as preparation for surgery or severe gastrointestinal issues. Adequate nutrition and hydration are important for recovery.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, preventing the child from being exposed to infection is the most critical action for a nurse. This is due to the immunosuppressive effects of prednisolone, which increase the risk of infections. Proper infection control measures are essential to protect the child's health while hospitalized for a severe asthma attack.