A nurse is caring for a 30-year-old client who was brought to the emergency department (ED).
The nurse should determine the assessment findings are consistent with which of the following disease processes?
For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with bacterial meningitis or encephalitis. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.
WBC count in CSF
Muscle weakness
Altered level of consciousness
Kernig sign result
Body temperature at 2105
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,B"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A,B"}}
A high white blood cell (WBC) count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is more commonly associated with bacterial meningitis, characterized by a high neutrophil count, low glucose, and high protein levels. it is also seen in encephalitis and reflects the individual cell lines that are affected.
Muscle weakness and altered levels of consciousness can occur in both conditions but are more prominent in encephalitis, which often presents with focal neurological deficits and seizures. The
Kernig sign, a classical sign of meningitis, is a physical examination finding that indicates irritation of the meninges and supports a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis when positive.
An elevated body temperature is common in bacterial meningitis, but it is not exclusive and can be observed in encephalitis as well.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Distributive shock is associated with decreased MAP, not increased.
B. Decreased venous return occurs in distributive shock due to the pooling of blood in the periphery, leading to reduced preload and decreased cardiac output.
C. Distributive shock typically results in increased heart rate as the body attempts to compensate for decreased blood pressure and venous return.
D. Cardiac output is generally decreased in distributive shock due to reduced venous return and impaired blood flow.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"C"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Placing the client on droplet precautions is anticipated as it is a standard practice to prevent infection, especially in immunocompromised patients like those undergoing chemotherapy.
A private room is also anticipated to reduce the risk of infection and provide a controlled environment for the patient's comfort and monitoring.
The insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter may be nonessential unless there is a specific indication, such as urinary retention or close monitoring of output in a critically ill patient, as it can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
Checking the client's rectal temperature once daily could be contraindicated due to the risk of causing trauma or bleeding, especially considering the client's decreased platelet count, which could lead to increased bleeding risk.
Lastly, rinsing the client's mouth with 0.9% sodium chloride every 4 hours is anticipated to help manage the sore mouth, a common side effect of chemotherapy, and to maintain oral hygiene, which is crucial in preventing infections in immunocompromised patients.
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