A male client who is admitted with bipolar disorder, and manic psychosis, is placed in seclusion after unsuccessful attempts to de-escalate him during a sudden mood swing from laughter to jumping and screaming threats while waving a plastic dinner knife.

The client is given haloperidol.

5 mg intramuscularly STAT prior to seclusion.

Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement immediately after seclusion?

Choice A rationale:

Checking the client's temperature is important for assessing the client's condition, but it is not a priority before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis.

Choice B rationale:

Assessing the client's level of consciousness is essential for monitoring neurological status, but it is not the highest priority action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis.

Choice C rationale:

Asking the client about any history of allergies is important for assessing potential allergic reactions to medications. However, the most critical action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis is to obtain a blood sample for culture and sensitivity. This action helps identify the causative organism and guides appropriate antibiotic therapy, as meningitis can be life-threatening and requires prompt treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining a blood sample for culture and sensitivity is the highest priority action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis. Identifying the specific pathogen responsible for the infection is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic therapy and preventing complications.

Choice A rationale:

While it’s important to monitor for any adverse reactions following a vaccination, not all fevers are serious. Mild fever can be a common side effect of vaccinations and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the child develops a high fever, or if the fever is accompanied by other severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or extreme lethargy, it should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

Choice B rationale:

There is no need to keep the child home from daycare following the Hib vaccine unless the child is feeling unwell or has other symptoms that warrant staying home. The Hib vaccine is not a live vaccine, so the child cannot transmit the vaccine strain to others.

Choice C rationale:

Applying a cool pack to the injection site can help reduce discomfort or swelling that may occur after the vaccination. This is a safe and effective method for managing minor side effects of vaccinations.

Choice D rationale:

Aspirin should not be given to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect the liver and brain. Instead, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to help manage any pain or fever following the vaccination, if approved by a healthcare provider. Always follow the dosing instructions on the package and consult with a healthcare provider if unsure.