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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the child to avoid sharing hats with other children is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of lice transmission. Lice are spread by direct contact with the hair or personal items of an infested person. Hats, combs, brushes, scarves, and pillows are some of the items that can harbor lice.
Choice B reason: The lice can survive for 2 weeks away from the host is a false statement. Lice cannot live longer than 24 to 48 hours without a human host. They need blood to survive and reproduce. Therefore, this information is not helpful for the parents to prevent or treat lice.
Choice C reason: Washing your child's hair daily will prevent lice is a false statement. Lice are not a sign of poor hygiene or cleanliness. They can affect anyone regardless of how often they wash their hair. In fact, lice may prefer clean hair because it is easier to attach to. Therefore, this information is not helpful for the parents to prevent or treat lice.
Choice D reason: Lice can jump from one child to another is a false statement. Lice cannot jump, fly, or hop. They can only crawl from one person to another. Therefore, this information is not helpful for the parents to prevent or treat lice.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Intravenous immunoglobulin is a likely prescription, as it is used to treat Kawasaki disease, which is a rare but serious condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in children. The toddler has many signs and symptoms of Kawasaki disease, such as high fever, irritability, red eyes, dry lips, strawberry tongue, swollen hands and feet, rash, and enlarged lymph node. Intravenous immunoglobulin can reduce the risk of complications, such as coronary artery aneurysms, which can be life-threatening.
Choice B reason: Oral acyclovir is not a probable prescription, as it is used to treat viral infections, such as herpes simplex or varicella zoster, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has no evidence of a viral infection, such as blisters, vesicles, or crusts.
Choice C reason: Intramuscular penicillin is not a likely prescription, as it is used to treat bacterial infections, such as streptococcal pharyngitis or syphilis, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has no signs of a bacterial infection, such as purulent discharge, foul odor, or localized inflammation.
Choice D reason: Topical hydrocortisone is not a helpful prescription, as it is used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has a rash that is caused by the inflammation of the blood vessels, not by an allergic or irritant reaction. Topical hydrocortisone may also worsen the rash or cause skin thinning or infection.
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