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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should prepare the toddler for nasotracheal intubation first because the toddler is experiencing severe dyspnea and drooling, which are signs of airway obstruction.
Nasotracheal intubation will help to secure the toddler’s airway and improve their breathing.
Choice A is wrong because administering an antibiotic is not the priority intervention for a toddler with airway obstruction.
Choice B is wrong because obtaining a blood culture is not the priority intervention for a toddler with airway obstruction.
Choice C is wrong because inserting an IV catheter is not the priority intervention for a toddler with airway obstruction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
After an arterial cardiac catheterization, the patient will need to keep their leg straight for several hours following the procedure to prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site.
Choice B is wrong because droplet isolation precautions are not necessary after an arterial cardiac catheterization.
Choice C is wrong because assisting the child into a supine position may not be necessary and could be uncomfortable for the child.
Choice D is wrong because checking oxygen saturation every 4 hours may not be frequent enough for a child who has undergone an arterial cardiaccatheterization and may require more frequent monitoring of oxygen saturation.
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