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A nurse is caring for a 30-year-old client who was brought to the emergency department (ED).

Exhibits

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.

A.

WBC count in CSF

B.

Muscle weakness

C.

Altered level of consciousness

D.

Kernig sign result

E.

Body temperature at 2105

Answer and Explanation

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.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. An HbA1c level of 7.5% indicates suboptimal long-term glucose control. The target for many diabetic patients is usually below 7%, but it may not require immediate action compared to more acute indicators.
B. A 2-hour post-prandial blood glucose level of 122 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range but not significantly high. This result alone is not as indicative of inadequate control as other values.
C. A random blood glucose level of 300 mg/dL is significantly elevated and indicates poor glucose control. This value is much higher than the normal range and suggests a need for further teaching and adjustment of diabetes management.
D. A fasting blood glucose level of 48 mg/dL is low and could indicate hypoglycemia rather than inadequate control. This level requires immediate attention but does not reflect poor long-term diabetes management.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Increasing fluid intake is not recommended, as clients with Cushing disease often have fluid retention.
B. Decreasing protein intake is not recommended because muscle wasting is a concern in Cushing disease, and adequate protein is necessary to maintain muscle mass.
C. Decreasing carbohydrate intake is recommended because Cushing disease can cause hyperglycemia, and reducing carbohydrates can help manage blood glucose levels.
D. Limiting potassium-rich foods is not advisable as Cushing disease can lead to hypokalemia, and clients may need to increase their potassium intake.

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