A nurse in the emergency department is evaluating a young adult client for bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take as part of the focused assessment?
Tap the client's facial nerve and note any facial twitching.
Strike the client's patellar tendon with a percussion hammer and note any increase in response.
Gently elevate the client's head and note any nuchal rigidity.
Run a tongue blade on the outside of the client's sole and note any flaring of the toes.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Tapping the client's facial nerve and noting any facial twitching is not a specific assessment for bacterial meningitis. This action is more related to evaluating facial nerve function and is not typically used to diagnose meningitis.
Choice B reason: Striking the client's patellar tendon with a percussion hammer and noting any increase in response is a test for reflexes, which may or may not be altered in bacterial meningitis. An increased response can be seen in various neurological conditions and is not specific to meningitis.
Choice C reason: Gently elevating the client's head and noting any nuchal rigidity is a key part of the focused assessment for bacterial meningitis. Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningitis and is assessed by gently lifting the head and attempting to move the chin toward the chest. If the client resists due to pain or stiffness, this could indicate nuchal rigidity associated with meningitis.
Choice D reason: Running a tongue blade on the outside of the client's sole and noting any flaring of the toes, known as the Babinski sign, is used to assess for central nervous system lesions and is not specific to meningitis. While it can be part of a neurological assessment, it does not specifically indicate bacterial meningitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:Frequent exposure to low-volume noise is not typically a risk factor for hearing loss. Hearing loss is more commonly associated with prolonged exposure to high-volume noise, which can damage the delicate structures within the ear.
Choice B reason: Chronic infections of the middle ear, such as chronic otitis media, can lead to hearing loss. These infections can cause persistent inflammation and fluid buildup, which may damage the middle ear structures over time, leading to conductive hearing loss.
Choice C reason: Perforation of the eardrum, or a ruptured eardrum, can result in hearing loss. The eardrum is essential for the proper conduction of sound waves to the inner ear. A perforation disrupts this process and can reduce hearing ability until the eardrum heals or is surgically repaired.
Choice D reason: Being born with a high birth weight is not a known risk factor for hearing loss. Hearing loss at birth is more commonly associated with genetic factors, prenatal and perinatal infections, and complications during birth.
Choice E reason: The use of a loop diuretic can be a risk factor for hearing loss. These medications can have ototoxic effects, especially when administered in high doses or with rapid intravenous infusion, potentially leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering oxygen at 2 L/min is appropriate for clients with emphysema who have hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy should be titrated based on the client's oxygen saturation levels to avoid suppressing the respiratory drive.
Choice B reason: The use of incentive spirometry is beneficial for clients with emphysema as it encourages deep breathing and helps prevent atelectasis. It is an appropriate intervention to include in the plan of care.
Choice C reason: Breathing exercises for clients with emphysema typically focus on prolonging the exhalation phase, not the inhalation phase, to improve airway clearance and reduce the work of breathing.
Choice D reason: Limiting fluid intake is not generally recommended for clients with emphysema unless there are specific contraindications. Adequate hydration can help thin secretions and improve mucus clearance.
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