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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is the correct statement. Children with HIV are at increased risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection. Therefore, regular testing for TB is an important part of their healthcare.
B. Doubling medications without specific guidance from the healthcare provider can be dangerous and is not recommended. It's important for the parent to follow the prescribed medication regimen as directed.
C. While zidovudine (AZT) is an important medication for HIV treatment, the statement is not accurate. The risk of transmission does not decrease after only 2 weeks of
treatment. It takes longer for the viral load to decrease significantly.
D. Children with HIV do not necessarily need to repeat their childhood immunizations once they are in remission. However, the timing and need for vaccinations may be
individualized based on the child's specific circumstances and immune status. This statement does not demonstrate a clear understanding of the teaching.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Increased restlessness can indicate hypoxia, pain, or worsening shock, which are critical concerns in a toddler with significant burns. This finding should be reported immediately.
B. Respiratory rate of 25/min is within the normal range for a toddler (22-37 breaths per minute) and does not require immediate intervention.
C. Bowel sounds of 20/min are normal and do not indicate a complication.
D. Urinary output of 35 mL/hr is adequate for a toddler (goal: ≥1-2 mL/kg/hr, which would be ≥20-40 mL/hr for a 20 kg child) and does not require reporting.
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