How should a nurse assess a child suspected of having a foreign body aspiration?

When assessing a child suspected of having a foreign body aspiration, performing a thorough respiratory assessment is essential. This assessment focuses on identifying any signs of airway obstruction, respiratory distress, or abnormalities in lung sounds, which are critical in managing potential airway emergencies.

A respiratory assessment involves observing the child's breathing pattern, checking for stridor, wheezing, or decreased breath sounds, and measuring the respiratory rate. These indicators can help the nurse determine the severity of the situation and the possible need for immediate intervention, such as removing the foreign body or providing oxygen support.

While other assessments, like neurological or gastrointestinal evaluations, might be relevant in different contexts, they do not directly address the immediate concerns related to a respiratory emergency caused by foreign body aspiration. Evaluating for signs of dehydration may also be important in a broader clinical assessment, but it is not the priority in this scenario focused on airway management.