A nurse is caring for a child who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer IV antibiotics.
Monitor vital signs.
Encourage oral fluids.
Initiate droplet precautions.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Administer IV antibiotics: While urgent, antibiotics can be administered after precautions are in place to ensure safety.
B. Monitor vital signs: Important but not the first action. Vital signs can be monitored after precautions are initiated.
C. Encourage oral fluids: Incorrect because IV fluids are usually required due to the severity of the illness and risk of shock.
D. Initiate droplet precautions. Protecting others from transmission is the highest priority in managing bacterial meningitis, a highly contagious condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
A. "Bounding peripheral pulses." Bounding pulses are not characteristic of Tetralogy of Fallot. Instead, pulses may be normal or diminished, depending on the severity of the defect.
B. "Cyanotic spells." Tetralogy of Fallot causes decreased oxygenation, leading to periodic cyanotic episodes, particularly during crying or feeding ("tet spells").
C. "Stridor." Stridor is associated with upper airway obstructions, not cardiac defects like Tetralogy of Fallot.
D. "Anemia." Anemia is not a primary finding in Tetralogy of Fallot. Polycythemia (increased red blood cells) is more common due to chronic hypoxia.
E. "Heart murmur." A systolic murmur is common due to the pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect associated with Tetralogy of Fallot.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","G","H","I","J"]
Explanation
A. Intake and output: The infant has not fed in 8 hours and has only had 1 wet diaper during this time, which is concerning for dehydration or inadequate intake. The decreased output requires immediate follow-up to prevent further dehydration and assess fluid needs.
B. Heart rate: The heart rate of 180/min is elevated for an infant, potentially indicating dehydration, fever, or respiratory distress. Tachycardia can also signify compensation for hypoxia.
C. Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 60/min is elevated for an infant and indicates respiratory distress, compounded by retractions and diminished lung sounds in the right lobes.
D. Bowel sounds: Active bowel sounds in all four quadrants are a normal finding and do not indicate an acute issue.
E. Mucous membranes: While dry mucous membranes confirm dehydration, they are not the highest priority compared to respiratory distress or oxygen saturation.
F. Weight: Weight loss from 9 lb to 8 lb 8 oz is concerning for chronic dehydration or inadequate nutrition, but it does not require immediate action compared to acute respiratory and oxygenation issues.
G. Retractions: Moderate substernal and intercostal retractions are indicative of respiratory distress. This requires immediate follow-up to assess the severity of the distress and initiate appropriate interventions, such as supplemental oxygen or further evaluation.
H. Lung sounds: Diminished lung sounds in the right lobes and occasional coarse crackles are concerning for a respiratory infection or condition such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Immediate follow-up is required to assess the cause and severity of the respiratory findings.
I. Temperature: The infant has a fever, which is concerning, especially with poor feeding and lethargy. Fever in an infant can indicate a serious infection (e.g., sepsis, urinary tract infection, or pneumonia) that requires immediate medical attention and further investigation.
J. Oxygen saturation: An oxygen saturation of 92% is low for an infant, indicating hypoxia, likely due to respiratory compromise. Immediate intervention (e.g., oxygen therapy) is necessary to prevent further deterioration.
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