A nurse is assessing a client who reports a severe headache and stiff neck. The nurse's assessment reveals positive Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Decrease bright lights.
Initiate IV access.
Administer antibiotics.
Implement droplet precautions.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Decreasing bright lights is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to reduce the photophobia (sensitivity to light) and headache that are common symptoms of the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it does not prevent the transmission of the infection or treat the underlying cause.
Choice B reason: Initiating IV access is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it facilitates the administration of fluids, medications, and blood products that may be needed to manage the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it does not prevent the transmission of the infection or treat the underlying cause.
Choice C reason: Administering antibiotics is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to treat the bacterial infection that is the most common cause of the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it requires a prescription from the health care provider and confirmation of the diagnosis by laboratory tests such as blood culture or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Choice D reason: Implementing droplet precautions is the first priority action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to prevent the spread of the infection to other clients and staff members. Droplet precautions are a type of isolation precautions that are used for infections that are transmitted by respiratory droplets, such as meningitis, influenza, and pertussis. Droplet precautions involve wearing a surgical mask when entering the client's room, placing the client in a private room or cohorting with other clients who have the same infection, and limiting visitors and staff contact with the client.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Providing total assistance with all ADLs is not an intervention that should be included in the client's plan. ADLs are activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Providing total assistance with all ADLs can reduce the client's independence and self-esteem, and increase their dependence and learned helplessness. The nurse should encourage and assist the client to perform as much as they can by themselves and provide partial or intermittent assistance only when needed.
Choice B reason: Ordering a low-residue diet is not an intervention that should be included in the client's plan. A low-residue diet is a type of diet that limits foods that are high in fiber or indigestible material, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. A low-residue diet may be recommended for clients who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, or bowel obstruction, as it can reduce bowel frequency and irritation. However, it is not indicated for clients who have MS, unless they have other comorbidities that require it. A balanced diet that includes adequate fiber, fluids, and nutrients is more beneficial for clients who have MS.
Choice C reason: Encouraging the client to void every hour is not an intervention that should be included in the client's plan. Voiding every hour can be inconvenient and impractical for the client, and may not address their bladder problems effectively. MS can cause bladder dysfunction, such as urinary urgency, frequency, incontinence, or retention, due to nerve damage that affects bladder control. The nurse should assess the type and severity of the bladder dysfunction, and provide appropriate interventions, such as medication, catheterization, pelvic floor exercises, or bladder training.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client on daily muscle stretching is an intervention that should be included in the client's plan. Muscle stretching is a type of exercise that involves extending or elongating a muscle or group of muscles to their full length. Muscle stretching can help prevent or relieve muscle spasticity, stiffness, pain, or contractures that may occur in clients who have MS. The nurse should teach the client how to perform muscle stretching safely and correctly, and encourage them to do it daily or as prescribed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: It is a tool that is used to determine your maximum level of self-sufficiency as the appropriate nursing response, as it accurately describes the purpose and function of the FIM. The FIM measures how much assistance you need to perform 18 activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, toileting, walking, and communicating. The FIM helps to evaluate your functional status, monitor your progress, and plan your rehabilitation goals and interventions. ¹²³
Choice B reason: It is a test that determines which activities you feel most comfortable performing is not an appropriate nursing response, as it does not reflect the objective and standardized nature of the FIM. The FIM is not a subjective or self-reported measure of your preferences or comfort level, but rather an observational and rating scale that assesses your actual performance and independence in various tasks. The FIM uses a 7-point ordinal scale that ranges from 1 (total assistance) to 7 (complete independence) and requires trained and certified raters to administer and score it. ¹²³
Choice C reason: It is a tool used by insurance companies to determine qualifications for medical reimbursement is not an appropriate nursing response, as it does not capture the primary purpose and benefit of the FIM. The FIM is not a financial or administrative tool that determines your eligibility or coverage for medical services, but rather a clinical and research tool that measures your functional outcomes and quality of care. The FIM provides a uniform system of measurement for disability based on the International Classification of Impairment, Disabilities, and Handicaps and allows for comparison and evaluation of different rehabilitation programs and settings. ¹²³
Choice D reason: It is a tool that is used to assess what services you will need a home health aide to perform for you is not an appropriate nursing response, as it does not reflect the comprehensive and multidimensional scope of the FIM. The FIM is not a specific or limited tool that assesses only your home care needs or dependence on others, but rather a general and broad tool that assesses your functional abilities and disabilities in various domains and environments. The FIM covers both motor and cognitive aspects of functioning, such as comprehension, expression, social interaction, problem-solving, and memory. The FIM can be used with all diagnoses within rehabilitation and can be applied across different levels and settings of care.
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