A nurse is providing teaching to a school-age child who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the child indicates an understanding of the teaching?

 

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice B rationale

Administering an intravenous antibiotic is the priority action for a child with suspected bacterial meningitis. Early administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat the infection and prevent complications such as brain swelling and seizures.

Choice A rationale

Obtaining blood cultures is important for identifying the causative organism, but it should be done immediately before or concurrently with the administration of antibiotics.

Choice C rationale

Preparing the child for a lumbar puncture is necessary for diagnosing meningitis, but it should not delay the administration of antibiotics.

Choice D rationale

Placing the child in isolation is important to prevent the spread of infection, but it is not the immediate priority over administering antibiotics.

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale

A 13% weight loss indicates severe dehydration. Dehydration is classified based on the percentage of body weight lost, with severe dehydration being more than 10%6.

Choice B rationale

A bulging anterior fontanel is a sign of increased intracranial pressure, not dehydration. In dehydration, the fontanel is typically sunken due to fluid loss.

Choice C rationale

Bradypnea, or slow breathing, is not a common sign of dehydration. Dehydration often leads to tachypnea, or rapid breathing, as the body tries to compensate for fluid loss.

Choice D rationale

A capillary refill time of 3 seconds is within normal limits. In severe dehydration, capillary refill time is usually prolonged, indicating poor perfusion.