A nurse is caring for a child who has a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
Document intake and output.
Administer antibiotics when available
Reduce environmental stimuli
Maintain seizure precaution
The Correct Answer is B
A) Document intake and output:
Documenting intake and output is an important nursing task, but it is not the top priority in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis. Timely administration of antibiotics to treat the infection takes precedence over documentation of intake and output.
B) Administer antibiotics when available.
Explanation:
Bacterial meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Rapid administration of antibiotics is crucial to effectively treat the infection and prevent its spread. Delay in antibiotic administration can lead to worsening symptoms and complications. Therefore, getting the appropriate antibiotics to the child as soon as they are available is the nurse's priority.
C) Reduce environmental stimuli:
Reducing environmental stimuli can be helpful in managing symptoms and providing comfort to the child with meningitis, but it is not the priority action. The immediate concern in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis is to treat the infection.
D) Maintain seizure precaution:
While maintaining seizure precautions is important, especially if the child has a history of seizures, it is not the top priority in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis. Administering antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent its progression is the primary concern.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Heat intolerance.
Explanation: This statement is true. Heat intolerance is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease. People with hyperthyroidism often have an overactive thyroid gland that produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This can lead to an increased metabolic rate, which in turn makes them sensitive to heat. They may feel excessively warm, sweat more than usual, and have difficulty tolerating hot weather.
B) Weight gain.
Explanation: This statement is false. Weight gain is not a typical finding in Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism. In fact, one of the hallmark symptoms of hyperthyroidism is unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite. The elevated levels of thyroid hormones cause an increase in metabolism, leading to weight loss.
C) Bradycardia.
Explanation: This statement is false. Bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute. In hyperthyroidism, the heart rate is often elevated rather than slowed down. The excessive thyroid hormones can lead to an increased heart rate (tachycardia) and palpitations. It's important to note that if the question were about hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), bradycardia might be more relevant.
D) Lethargy.
Explanation: This statement is false. Lethargy, or a state of extreme tiredness and lack of energy, is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) rather than hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism usually leads to symptoms of increased energy, restlessness, and hyperactivity due to the elevated metabolic rate caused by excess thyroid hormones.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Apply cool sterile soaks to the child's head.
Explanation: Applying cool sterile soaks to the child's head would not directly address periorbital edema. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that results in proteinuria (loss of protein in urine), leading to fluid accumulation and edema. Cooling the head would not have a significant impact on reducing periorbital edema caused by nephrotic syndrome.
B. Apply warm compresses.
Explanation: Correct Choice. Applying warm compresses can help increase blood circulation and promote the reabsorption of excess fluid causing periorbital edema. Warmth can dilate blood vessels and improve the movement of fluids, potentially alleviating the edema.
C. Encourage the child to eat low protein foods.
Explanation: While dietary modifications might be part of managing nephrotic syndrome, specifically encouraging low protein foods may not directly address periorbital edema. The primary treatment for nephrotic syndrome involves medications to control proteinuria and manage fluid balance.
D. Elevate the head of the bed.
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed is more commonly used to manage conditions like heart failure or obstructive sleep apnea. It might have some impact on overall fluid distribution, but it's not the most effective measure for reducing periorbital edema caused by nephrotic syndrome.
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