A nurse is reinforcing teaching about sibling adaptation with a parent of a child who has cystic fibrosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:
Headache is an expected finding in a school-age child with bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, and the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by bacteria. The inflammatory process can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which commonly presents as a headache. This headache is often severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, irritability, and sensitivity to light.
Choice B rationale:
A negative Kernig sign is a possible finding in a school-age child with bacterial meningitis. Kernig sign is a clinical test performed to assess for meningitis. A positive Kernig sign is characterized by resistance and pain in extending the knee when the hip is flexed at a 90-degree angle. However, a negative Kernig sign does not rule out meningitis, as it might not always be present.
Choice C rationale:
Vomiting is an expected finding in a school-age child with bacterial meningitis. The increase in intracranial pressure due to inflammation of the meninges can lead to nausea and vomiting. The vomiting is often projectile and may not be relieved by eating or drinking.
Choice D rationale:
Seizures are an expected finding in a school-age child with bacterial meningitis. The inflammation of the brain and meninges can irritate the brain tissue and trigger seizures. Seizures in the context of bacterial meningitis might be generalized or focal in nature.
Choice E rationale:
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is not a typical finding associated with bacterial meningitis. The main symptoms of bacterial meningitis are related to the central nervous system and meningeal irritation, such as headache, fever, neck stiffness, and neurological changes. Tinnitus is not a common manifestation of bacterial meningitis and is not part of the typical clinical picture.

Choice A rationale:
Gently lift the traction weights off the floor when repositioning the client. Rationale: This choice is not recommended in the care of a client in skeletal traction. Traction weights should never be lifted off the floor as they provide the necessary counter traction to align and immobilize the fractured bone. Lifting the weights could disrupt the traction and jeopardize the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
Reduce intake of foods containing fiber while nonambulatory. Rationale: While constipation can be a concern for clients in skeletal traction due to decreased mobility, reducing fiber intake is not the appropriate intervention. Adequate fiber intake is important to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Hydration and mobility exercises are more suitable approaches to manage constipation.
Choice C rationale:
Perform passive range-of-motion exercises to the affected extremity every 2 hours. Rationale: Passive range-of-motion exercises are important to maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy in a nonambulatory client. However, performing these exercises every 2 hours might be excessive and could cause unnecessary discomfort for the client. Range-of-motion exercises are usually done every 4 to 8 hours to strike a balance between maintaining joint health and providing rest.
Choice D rationale:
Apply protective padding to the end of the pin sites. Rationale: This is the correct choice. Applying protective padding to the end of the pin sites is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers and infection. The pin sites are potential entry points for bacteria, and protecting them helps reduce the risk of infection. Padding also prevents pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, reducing the potential for pressure injuries.