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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Varicella (chickenpox) is highly contagious and can be spread through the air by coughing or sneezing.
Airborne precautions help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
Choice B is wrong because Koplik spots are a symptom of measles, not varicella.
Choice C is wrong because providing a warm blanket is not a specific intervention for a child with varicella.
Choice D is wrong because aspirin should not be given to children with varicella due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The accessory nerve is tested by evaluating the function of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
The trapezius muscle is tested by asking the patient to shrug their shoulders with and without resistance.
Choice A is wrong because following a light in the six cardinal positions tests the function of cranial nerves III, IV, and VI.
Choice B is wrong because moving their tongue in all directions tests the function of cranial nerve XII.
Choice C is wrong because showing their teeth while smiling tests the function of cranial nerve VII.
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