A nurse is caring for a child who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the child can be removed from droplet precautions?
Absent nuchal rigidity
Negative cerebrospinal fluid culture
Antibiotics initiated 24 hr ago
Temperature below 37.4° C (99.3° F)
The Correct Answer is B
A. Absent nuchal rigidity is a positive sign in the context of managing bacterial
meningitis, but it alone does not determine when droplet precautions can be discontinued.
B. This is the correct answer. A negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture indicates that the bacterial infection has been effectively treated. Once the CSF culture is negative, the child is no longer considered contagious and can be removed from droplet precautions.
C. The initiation of antibiotics is an important step in treating bacterial meningitis, but the passage of time alone does not indicate when precautions can be discontinued. The
effectiveness of treatment is better determined by laboratory and clinical indicators.
D. The temperature is an important clinical parameter, but a temperature below 37.4° C (99.3° F) alone does not determine when droplet precautions can be discontinued. The decision is based on the resolution of the infectious process, as indicated by negative cultures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increased self-esteem is a positive aspect of development, but it may not be a consistent characteristic during early adolescence. Self-esteem can fluctuate based on various factors.
B. Mood swings are common during early adolescence due to hormonal changes and the emotional challenges that come with this stage of development. It's important for parents to be understanding and supportive during this time.
C. The growth rate during early adolescence may vary from person to person, but it generally accelerates rather than decelerates. This period is associated with rapid physical growth, known as the adolescent growth spurt.
D. Emotional separation from parents is a normal part of adolescent development, but it tends to become more prominent in later adolescence rather than early adolescence. During early adolescence, there may be a mix of seeking independence and still relying on parental support and guidance.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Starting the IV in the infant's foot is not the preferred site for a 12-month-old who is ambulatory or beginning to walk, as it can interfere with mobility. The hand, forearm, or scalp (if necessary) are preferred sites.
B. Using a 24-gauge catheter is the correct choice, as smaller-gauge catheters (24- to 26-gauge) are appropriate for infants to minimize trauma and facilitate proper IV access.
C. Changing the IV site every 3 days is a general guideline for adults, but in infants, the site should be assessed frequently and changed as needed based on signs of infiltration or complications.
D. Covering the insertion site with an opaque dressing is incorrect because a transparent dressing is preferred to allow for continuous assessment of the site for complications such as infiltration or phlebitis.
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