A nurse in the emergency room is assessing a client who was brought in following a seizure. The nurse suspects the client may have meningococcal meningitis. Assessment findings include nuchal rigidity and a petechial rash. After Implementing droplet precautions, which of the following actions should the nurse initiate next?
Complete a vascular assessment.
Assess the cranial nerves
Decrease environmental stimuli.
Administer an antipyretic.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Complete a vascular assessment: Although meningococcal meningitis can lead to complications such as septicemia, which affects vascular status, assessing cranial nerves is more immediately pertinent. Identifying neurological deficits can provide crucial information about the extent and location of meningitis-related brain involvement.
B. Assess the cranial nerves: This is the correct action to initiate next. Meningococcal meningitis can affect the central nervous system, leading to cranial nerve involvement. Assessing the cranial nerves helps to identify any neurological deficits early, which is crucial for guiding treatment and monitoring progression.
C. Decrease environmental stimuli: While this is important for managing a patient with meningitis to prevent further neurological irritation, it is not as immediate a priority as assessing cranial nerve function to detect any neurological impairment.
D. Administer an antipyretic: Fever management is important, but it is not the next immediate priority after initiating droplet precautions. Assessing cranial nerves provides vital information about the patient's neurological status, which directly impacts immediate clinical decisions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A GCS score of 3 for eye opening indicates that the client opens their eyes in response to speech. This accurately reflects the client's level of responsiveness.
B. A GCS score of 5 for motor response indicates that the client localizes pain or can follow simple motor commands. However, this does not fully encapsulate the most appropriate conclusion, given the specific GCS score for eye opening.
C. A total GCS score of 13 (3 for eye opening, 5 for verbal response, and 5 for motor response) suggests mild impairment, not unconsciousness. Unconsciousness is typically indicated by a GCS score of 8 or below.
D. A GCS score of 5 for verbal response indicates the client is oriented and can respond verbally, so they are capable of making vocal sounds.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Complete darkness at night can increase confusion and agitation in clients with Alzheimer's disease. The room should have adequate lighting and a night light to help orient the client and prevent falls.
B. Incorrect. Suction equipment is not necessary for clients with Alzheimer's disease unless they have respiratory problems or difficulty swallowing. Suction equipment can be noisy and frightening for clients with cognitive impairment and should be avoided unless indicated.
C. Incorrect. A walker or cane may be helpful for clients with Alzheimer's disease who have mobility issues, but it is not an essential item to include in the room. A walker or cane can also pose a tripping hazard or be used as a weapon by agitated clients.
D. Correct. Clocks, calendar, family photos are appropriate items to include in the room of a client with Alzheimer's disease. They can help the client maintain orientation to time, place, and person, and provide comfort and familiarity.
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