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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Changing the transparent membrane dressing daily is not necessary unless it's soiled or compromised. The dressing is typically changed every 7 days or per institutional policy to reduce the risk of infection.
Choice B reason: Using a non-coring needle is not applicable for PICC lines as they are designed for use with a luer-lock syringe for medication administration and flushing.
Choice C reason : Maintaining a continuous IV infusion is not required for a PICC line unless clinically indicated. Intermittent use is common for medication administration, and the line should be flushed before and after use to maintain patency.
Choice D reason : Flushing the catheter with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution after each use is the correct action. This helps to maintain catheter patency and prevent occlusion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Clearing items from the client's surrounding area is important, but it is not the first action a nurse should take. The priority is to prevent injury to the client, and while removing potential hazards is part of this, it comes after ensuring the client's immediate safety.
Choice B reason: Loosening restrictive clothing can help the client breathe more easily and prevent further injury. However, this is not the first step in seizure first aid. The initial focus should be on preventing injury by controlling the client's fall.
Choice C reason: Lowering the client to the floor is the first and most critical action to take. This prevents a fall that could result in serious injury. Once on the floor, the client should be turned gently onto one side to help maintain an open airway and allow any fluids to drain, which can help prevent aspiration.
Choice D reason: Obtaining the client's vital signs is a secondary action after the seizure has ended. During a seizure, the primary concern is the client's immediate safety, which includes preventing injury and maintaining an open airway.
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