A charge nurse is making a room assignment for a client who has scabies. In which of the following rooms should the nurse place the client?

Choice A reason: Decreasing bright lights is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to reduce the photophobia (sensitivity to light) and headache that are common symptoms of the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it does not prevent the transmission of the infection or treat the underlying cause.

Choice B reason: Initiating IV access is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it facilitates the administration of fluids, medications, and blood products that may be needed to manage the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it does not prevent the transmission of the infection or treat the underlying cause.

Choice C reason: Administering antibiotics is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to treat the bacterial infection that is the most common cause of the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it requires a prescription from the health care provider and confirmation of the diagnosis by laboratory tests such as blood culture or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Choice D reason: Implementing droplet precautions is the first priority action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to prevent the spread of the infection to other clients and staff members. Droplet precautions are a type of isolation precautions that are used for infections that are transmitted by respiratory droplets, such as meningitis, influenza, and pertussis. Droplet precautions involve wearing a surgical mask when entering the client's room, placing the client in a private room or cohorting with other clients who have the same infection, and limiting visitors and staff contact with the client.

Choice A reason: Gradual onset of several hours is not a manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding into the surrounding tissue. This usually happens suddenly and without warning, and can cause rapid deterioration of the client's condition.

Choice B reason: Maintains consciousness is not a manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke can cause increased intracranial pressure, which can compress the brain and impair its function. This can lead to loss of consciousness, coma, or death.

Choice C reason: Sudden severe headache is a manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke can cause intense pain in the head, neck, or face, due to the pressure and irritation of the bleeding. The headache may be described as "the worst headache of my life" or "thunderclap headache".

Choice D reason: History of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hr. is not a manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. This is a characteristic of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is also known as a mini-stroke. A TIA occurs when a blood clot temporarily blocks an artery in the brain, causing temporary symptoms such as weakness, numbness, vision loss, or speech difficulty. A TIA does not cause permanent damage to the brain, but it is a warning sign of a possible future stroke.