A nurse is caring for an adolescent who was brought to the emergency department (ED) with a fever, headache, and neck stiffness. The nurse should determine the assessment findings are consistent with which of the following disease processes?
Bacterial meningitis
Encephalitis
Gastroenteritis
Migraine
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and altered mental status. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis may show increased white blood cells, protein, and glucose. The nurse should assess the neck range of motion and the reaction to pupil assessment, as these may indicate increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B reason: Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue, usually caused by a viral infection. It can cause fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. The CSF analysis may show increased white blood cells and protein, but normal glucose. The nurse should assess the level of consciousness and the neurological status, as these may indicate brain damage.
Choice C reason: Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. The nurse should assess the gastrointestinal manifestations and the vital signs, as these may indicate fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice D reason: Migraine is a type of headache that involves recurrent episodes of moderate to severe pain, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The nurse should assess the location and duration of pain, the triggers and relievers, and the history of migraine. The CSF analysis is usually normal.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Maintaining the infant in the supine position is not an appropriate intervention, as it can increase the pressure on the myelomeningocele sac and cause further damage to the spinal cord. The nurse should position the infant prone or side-lying, with the head turned to one side and the hips flexed.
Choice B reason: Limiting visitors to immediate family members is not a necessary intervention, as the infant does not have an infectious condition that requires isolation. The nurse should encourage the parents and other family members to visit and bond with the infant, and provide emotional support and education.
Choice C reason: Initiating contact precautions is not a required intervention, as the infant does not have a contagious condition that poses a risk of transmission to others. The nurse should follow standard precautions, such as washing hands, wearing gloves, and disposing of contaminated materials properly.
Choice D reason: Providing a latex-free environment is an essential intervention, as the infant has a high risk of developing a latex allergy due to the frequent exposure to latex products during surgery and other procedures. The nurse should avoid using latex gloves, catheters, syringes, bandages, or other items that contain latex, and use alternative materials instead. The nurse should also label the infant's chart, crib, and door with a latex allergy alert.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering alprazolam 0.5 mg PO is not the first action that the nurse should take. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that can be used to treat anxiety or insomnia, but it is not a priority intervention for a mother who has experienced a stillbirth. The nurse should assess the mother's emotional and physical needs before giving any medication.
Choice B reason: Contacting the health care facility's clergy is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should respect the mother's spiritual and cultural beliefs and preferences, but not assume that she wants or needs the clergy's presence. The nurse should ask the mother if she would like to have any spiritual support or counseling.
Choice C reason: Offering the mother private time with the newborn is the first action that the nurse should take. This is a sensitive and compassionate way to acknowledge the mother's loss and grief, and to facilitate bonding and closure. The nurse should provide the mother with a quiet and comfortable environment, and allow her to hold, touch, and talk to the newborn as long as she wishes.
Choice D reason: Assisting the client with transferring to the gynecology unit is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should not rush the mother to leave the labor and delivery unit, as this may increase her sense of isolation and abandonment. The nurse should allow the mother to stay in the same room until she is ready to move, and provide her with emotional and physical support during the transition.
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