A 2-month-old infant with pertussis becomes blue and stops breathing briefly during a coughing episode. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: B. Assess the airway and breathing and call for urgent help

  • A. Offer oral fluids to soothe the throat
  • B. Assess the airway and breathing and call for urgent help
  • C. Place the infant in a dark room to reduce stimulation
  • D. Delay intervention until the coughing episode ends

Explanation

Apnoea and cyanosis indicate an immediate breathing emergency. Airway and breathing are assessed first while urgent help is called; oral fluids or waiting may cause dangerous delay and aspiration.

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About Common Childhood Illnesses

Common childhood illnesses include acute respiratory infections, diarrhoeal disease, dehydration, measles, mumps, chickenpox, pertussis and worm infestations. The subject focuses on causes, signs, transmission, assessment, prevention and nursing care, especially distinguishing pneumonia from less severe respiratory infection and classifying dehydration by clinical findings.

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