Final answer:
Using a tongue blade to the side avoids eliciting the gag reflex, ensuring a smoother examination while preventing airway obstruction.
Explanation:
The nurse uses a tongue blade placed to the side of the child's tongue to examine the child's throat and avoid eliciting the gag reflex. Placing the tongue blade to the side helps prevent the reflex that can occur when the back of the tongue is touched, minimizing the discomfort for the child during the examination.
By avoiding eliciting the gag reflex, the nurse can effectively examine the throat without causing the child to gag, cough, or have difficulty breathing temporarily. This technique ensures a smoother and more accurate examination of the child's throat and oral cavity without obstructing the airway or interfering with the visual field.
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