A nurse is admitting a school-age child who has bacterial meningitis.
Which of the following types of isolation precautions should the nurse initiate?

Choice A rationale:

Administering terbutaline is used to stop or slow down preterm labor contractions. In the given scenario, the client is in the latent phase of labor and is experiencing severe back pain. Terbutaline is not indicated for back pain during labor.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the client in a warm bath can provide comfort and relaxation, but it may not specifically alleviate back pain during labor. Additionally, warm baths are more commonly used for pain relief in early labor or during the active phase, not specifically for back pain.

Choice C rationale:

Applying counterpressure during each contraction is an appropriate intervention for relieving back pain during labor. Back pain is a common discomfort experienced by many women during labor, and counterpressure, often applied by a support person or nurse, can help alleviate the discomfort. It is a non-pharmacological method that can be effective in managing pain during labor.

Choice D rationale:

Requesting the provider prescribe a pudendal nerve block is not the first-line intervention for back pain during labor. Pudendal nerve blocks are used for pain relief during the second stage of labor (during delivery) and are typically administered by the provider if needed. It is not the appropriate intervention for back pain in the latent phase of labor.

Choice A rationale:

Insomnia is a common side effect of sertraline and many other antidepressant medications. It is not indicative of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive serotonin levels in the brain.

Choice B rationale:

Constipation is a side effect of some antidepressant medications, including sertraline. It is not a symptom of serotonin syndrome, which presents with a combination of symptoms such as confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, muscle rigidity, and high body temperature.

Choice C rationale:

Dry mouth is another common side effect of sertraline and many other medications. While uncomfortable, it is not a sign of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are neurological and autonomic, involving changes in mental status, muscle activity, and vital signs.

Choice D rationale:

Excessive sweating, also known as diaphoresis, can be a symptom of serotonin syndrome. Other symptoms might include agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, fever, dilated pupils, and diarrhea. If a patient experiences these symptoms while taking sertraline, it could indicate serotonin syndrome and should be reported immediately for medical evaluation.