A nurse is assisting with the admission of an adolescent client who is suspected to have bacterial meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
2+ pedal edema
Jaundice
Nuchal rigidity
Hematuria
The Correct Answer is C
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord that can cause inflammation and damage to the nervous system.
Nuchal rigidity refers to stiffness and pain in the neck that makes it difficult to flex the neck forward. This finding is indicative of inflammation of the meninges and is a classic sign of meningitis.
Pedal edema refers to swelling of the feet and ankles and can be caused by various conditions such as heart, liver, or kidney problems.
Jaundice refers to yellowing of the skin and eyes and can be caused by liver or bile duct disease.
Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine and can be caused by various conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or bladder cancer. These findings are not related to bacterial meningitis and may suggest other health concerns that require further evaluation and management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Sounds are high-pitched.
Hyperactive bowel sounds are bowel sounds that are louder and more frequent than normal. They may be heard as high-pitched rushing or tinkling sounds that occur irregularly at a rate greater than 5-6 sounds per minute. They are often associated with increased intestinal motility, such as in diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or early bowel obstruction.
Option b is incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with a paralytic ileus, which is a condition where the bowel stops working and there is a lack of bowel sounds.
Option c is incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds indicate increased motility, not decreased motility.
Option d is incorrect because soft bowel sounds at a rate of 1/min are considered hypoactive bowel sounds, which can be a sign of decreased intestinal motility, as seen in constipation or postoperative ileus.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
c. Diminished pulses on the affected extremity. This finding may indicate compromised circulation, which is
a serious complication that requires immediate intervention.
Option a. Ecchymosis on the inner left thigh may be a concerning finding, but it is not as urgent as diminished pulses. Ecchymosis may be a result of trauma during cast application, and may resolve on its own.
Option b. One fingerbreadth of space between the cast and the skin is a normal finding and indicates that the cast is not too tight.
Option d. Client report of muscle spasms of the left leg is a common complaint in clients with casts and may
be addressed with medication or other interventions, but it is not as urgent as diminished pulses. Therefore, the priority finding in this scenario is c. Diminished pulses on the affected extremity.

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