A nurse is planning care for a toddler who has epiglottitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

Rationale: A. In a child with suspected epiglottitis, throat examination or culture should be avoided initially because it can trigger severe airway obstruction or complete airway closure due to laryngeal spasm. Airway protection takes priority over diagnostic testing. B. Epiglottitis is a life-threatening emergency characterized by rapid airway obstruction. Continuous respiratory monitoring is essential to detect early signs of airway compromise such as stridor, drooling, increased work of breathing, and hypoxia. The nurse should be prepared for immediate airway management and emergency intubation if needed. C. Using a tongue depressor or attempting to visualize the throat is contraindicated in suspected epiglottitis because it can precipitate sudden laryngospasm and complete airway obstruction, which may be fatal. D. A supine position can worsen airway obstruction in epiglottitis. The child should be positioned in a position of comfort, typically sitting upright and leaning forward (tripod position), to maintain airway patency and ease breathing.