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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Assess the bowel sounds:

Bowel sounds are not directly related to the assessment of ascites. Bowel sounds are more relevant in assessing gastrointestinal function and peristalsis. While bowel changes could potentially be a sign of complications, monitoring abdominal girth is more specific to tracking ascites.

B. Frequently ambulate child:

While ambulation is important for overall health, it's not a direct assessment method for monitoring ascites. Ambulating a child might have benefits, but it won't provide specific information about the presence or progression of ascites.

C. Weigh child weekly:

Weekly weighing can provide some information about overall fluid balance, but it might not be as sensitive as measuring abdominal girth when it comes to detecting changes in ascites. Additionally, monitoring weight alone might not give insight into the distribution of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

D. Monitor and measure the abdominal girth.

Explanation: The presence of ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity) in a child with nephrotic syndrome could indicate worsening kidney function and fluid balance. Monitoring and measuring the abdominal girth is a reliable way to assess changes in the amount of fluid accumulation over time. An increase in abdominal girth could suggest a worsening condition.

A. A step-wise approach will be used to reduce the dosage gradually. B. Your child will always suffer seizures C. This is always a hereditary disorder D. Only her male offspring will experience seizures

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) A step-wise approach will be used to reduce the dosage gradually.

Explanation:

After a certain period of seizure control, a healthcare provider may consider gradually tapering and discontinuing anti-seizure medications in consultation with the child's neurologist. This is often done in a step-wise manner to monitor the child's condition and minimize the risk of seizure recurrence. Stopping anti-seizure medications abruptly can increase the risk of seizures returning. Therefore, the response provided in option A is the most accurate and relevant to the situation.

The other options are incorrect:

B) Your child will always suffer seizures:

This statement is not accurate, as some children with epilepsy can achieve long-term seizure control with appropriate treatment. Epilepsy management varies from person to person, and many individuals can experience extended periods of seizure freedom.

C) This is always a hereditary disorder:

Epilepsy can have both genetic and non-genetic causes. While there are genetic forms of epilepsy, not all cases are hereditary. Epilepsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including brain injuries, infections, and other medical conditions.

D) Only her male offspring will experience seizures:

Epilepsy does not discriminate based on gender. Both males and females can be affected by epilepsy. This statement is not accurate and does not reflect the reality of epilepsy as a medical condition.

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