A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Monitor the client for hypoglycemia.
Perform range-of-motion exercises once per shift
Place the client in high-Fowler's position.
Implement seizure precautions.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Monitor the client for hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is not a common complication of bacterial meningitis. More relevant concerns include increased intracranial pressure, fever, and potential neurological damage, rather than altered glucose metabolism.
B. Perform range-of-motion exercises once per shift: While maintaining mobility is important, this is not a priority during the acute phase of bacterial meningitis. The client may be photophobic, confused, or in too much discomfort for routine exercises early in treatment.
C. Place the client in high-Fowler's position: High-Fowler’s can increase discomfort and may worsen meningeal irritation. A more appropriate position is 30 degrees with head midline to promote venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure.
D. Implement seizure precautions: Seizures are a potential complication of bacterial meningitis due to inflammation, increased intracranial pressure, and irritation of the cerebral cortex. Seizure precautions are a critical safety measure in the acute phase of care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Decreased creatine kinase-MB: CK-MB is a cardiac enzyme that rises within 4–6 hours of myocardial infarction and peaks around 24 hours. A decrease in CK-MB would not indicate acute myocardial injury and is not a diagnostic marker in this case.
B. Decrease in respiratory rate: A lower respiratory rate is not a typical or reliable indicator of myocardial infarction. Clients experiencing an MI are more likely to show signs of dyspnea, anxiety, or increased respiratory effort due to pain or decreased oxygenation.
C. ST segment depression: ST segment depression may indicate myocardial ischemia or a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), but it is less specific than biomarkers like troponin. It may also appear in other conditions such as angina or electrolyte imbalances.
D. Increased troponin I: Troponin I is a highly specific and sensitive cardiac biomarker that rises within 3–6 hours of myocardial injury. An elevated troponin I level 6 hours after the onset of chest pain strongly supports the diagnosis of myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Frequent swallowing: Frequent swallowing, especially of small amounts, can indicate that the child is swallowing blood from postoperative bleeding. This is a common early sign of hemorrhage following a tonsillectomy and requires immediate evaluation.
B. Increased drowsiness: Drowsiness can result from anesthesia, pain medication, or fatigue after surgery. While it should be monitored, it is not a specific indicator of postoperative hemorrhage in a child following tonsillectomy.
C. Elevated pain level: Pain is expected after tonsillectomy and does not necessarily signal bleeding. Sudden severe pain might warrant reassessment, but elevated pain alone is not a definitive sign of hemorrhage.
D. Diminished breath sounds: Diminished breath sounds are not typically associated with post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. This finding may indicate a respiratory issue, but not specifically bleeding from the surgical site.
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