A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a child who has a temperature of 39.1° C (102.4° F) and a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Prepare the child for a lumbar puncture.
Implement droplet precautions for the child.
Dim the lights in the child's room.
Administer an antipyretic to the child.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should first implement droplet precautions for the child.
Bacterial meningitis can be spread through respiratory and throat secretions, so it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
Choice A is wrong because while a lumbar puncture may be necessary for diagnosis, preventing the spread of infection is a higher priority.
Choice C is wrong because while dimming the lights may provide comfort, preventing the spread of infection is a higher priority.
Choice D is wrong because while administering an antipyretic may provide comfort, preventing the spread of infection is a higher priority.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Cleanse the gums with saline-soaked gauze.
This can help keep the mouth moist and clean, which is important for preventing infection and promoting healing of oral ulcers caused by chemotherapy.
Choice A is wrong because routine oral care should be performed more frequently than every 8 hours.
Choice B is wrong because lemon glycerin swabs can dry out and irritate the mucosa.
Choice C is wrong because oral viscous lidocaine should not be used in children due to the risk of toxicity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
According to the normal pediatric vital signs chart provided by Cleveland Clinic, the normal blood pressure range for a 2-year-old child should be between 90- 105/55-70 mm Hg. The blood pressure of 118/74 mm Hg is higher than the normal range for a 2- year-old child and should be reported to the provider.
Choice B is wrong because a respiratory rate of 26/min falls within the normal range of 20-30 breaths per minute for a child between ages 1 and.
Choice C is wrong because a pulse rate of 98/min falls within the normal range of 80-125 beats per minute for a child between ages 1 and.
Choice D is wrong because a temperature of 37.2° C (99° F) falls within the normal range for children which is around 98.6 degrees.
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