A nurse is preparing a child who has suspected bacterial meningitis for a lumbar puncture. Which of the following cerebrospinal fluid findings supports the diagnosis?
Decreased WBCs.
Elevated glucose.
Elevated total protein.
Decreased pressure.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Decreased white blood cells (WBCs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would not support the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, the presence of bacteria triggers an inflammatory response, leading to an increase in WBCs in the CSF (pleocytosis).
Choice B rationale:
Elevated glucose levels in CSF would actually be more consistent with viral rather than bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, glucose levels are typically decreased due to the high metabolic demands of bacteria on the glucose present in the CSF.
Choice C rationale:
Elevated total protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is indicative of inflammation and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Bacterial meningitis causes an intense inflammatory response, leading to an increase in total protein in the CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased pressure in the CSF would not be a characteristic finding in bacterial meningitis. In fact, bacterial meningitis often leads to an increase in CSF pressure due to the inflammation and accumulation of inflammatory cells and proteins.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing a toddler in a side-lying position on the affected side after administering otic medication is not recommended. This position can cause the medication to leak out, reducing its effectiveness, and can also increase the risk of infection. It's important to keep the medication in the ear canal for an adequate amount of time to allow it to work properly.
Choice B rationale:
Allowing the medication to reach room temperature prior to administration is not a critical step for otic medications. While warming certain medications can reduce discomfort, this is not a specific requirement for ear drops. Ensuring the cleanliness of the ear, proper positioning, and correct administration technique are more important.
Choice C rationale:
The correct choice. Sitting the child in an upright position is the recommended approach for administering otic medication. This position helps ensure that the medication remains in the ear canal and is not immediately expelled. It also facilitates better penetration of the medication into the ear canal, increasing its effectiveness.
Choice D rationale:
Gently pulling a child's ear upward is a technique used for administering otic medications to straighten the ear canal and allow better access to the medication. However, this step alone is not sufficient. Proper positioning of the child is equally important to prevent the medication from leaking out.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging active range of motion of the extremity is not recommended during the first 12 to 24 hours after a sprained wrist. Early movement can potentially worsen the swelling and delay the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
Applying warm compresses to the extremity is not the best choice to minimize swelling in the initial 12 to 24 hours after a sprained wrist. Heat can actually increase blood flow and promote more swelling in the injured area.
Choice C rationale:
Elevating the extremity above the level of the heart is the correct choice for minimizing swelling in the first 12 to 24 hours after a sprained wrist. Elevating the injured area helps to reduce blood flow to the area, which in turn decreases swelling and promotes healing.
Choice D rationale:
Wrapping the extremity loosely with an elastic bandage might be beneficial for providing support, but it's not the primary intervention for minimizing swelling in the first 12 to 24 hours after a sprained wrist. Elevation is more effective for reducing swelling during this initial period.
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