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 B
Explanation
“What do you do when your infant is fussy?” This question allows the parent to discuss their coping mechanisms and gives the nurse an opportunity to provide guidance and support.
Choice A is not a therapeutic question because it suggests a course of action rather than exploring the parent’s feelings and experiences.
Choice C and D are not therapeutic questions because they are closed-ended and do not encourage the parent to discuss their coping mechanisms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A preschool-age child who has a muffled voice and no spontaneous cough should be assessed first.
These symptoms may indicate epiglottitis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice A, B and D are also important but not as urgent as choice C. A toddler with nephrotic syndrome and facial edema, an adolescent with Crohn’s disease and recent weight loss, and a school-age child with diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose of 200 mg/dL should be assessed after the preschool-age child with a muffled voice and no spontaneous cough.
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