The emergency department triage nurse is assessing a child who has a history of a cough and nasal congestion for the last three days. When assessing patency of the nares, the nurse notes that the child is unable to breathe through the right nostril. Which interpretation of the assessment data by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The inability to breathe through one nostril, especially in the context of recent cough and nasal congestion, suggests severe nasal inflammation or obstruction. This could be due to a variety of causes including infection, foreign body, or severe congestion.

The Emergency Department Triage Nurse Is Assessing a Child Who