Exhibits
Click to highlight the findings that require immediate follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
16-year-old adolescent brought to the ED for a sudden onset of fever. headache, and reports of sensitivity to light. Guardian reports adolescent refuses to eat or drink due to nausea and vomiting.
Adolescent is lethargic and drowsy but arouses with verbal stimuli. Irritable when aroused. Pupils equal, round, reactive to light, accommodation (PERRLA). Hand grasps and pedal pulls and pushes are strong and equal bilaterally. Mucous membranes are dry and pink. Skin is very warm and dry to touch. Capillary refill is 2 seconds. Photophobia is present. Adolescent reports headache as a 10 on a numeric pain scale of 0 to 10. Resists flexion of the neck. Has small pinpoint purpuric rash bilaterally on lower extremities.
16-year-old adolescent brought to the ED for a sudden onset of fever. headache, and reports of sensitivity to light
Guardian reports adolescent refuses to eat or drink due to nausea and vomiting
Adolescent is lethargic and drowsy but arouses with verbal stimuli
Irritable when aroused
Pupils equal, round, reactive to light, accommodation (PERRLA)
Hand grasps and pedal pulls and pushes are strong and equal bilaterally
Mucous membranes are dry and pink. Skin is very warm and dry to touch
Photophobia is present. Adolescent reports headache as a 10 on a numeric pain scale of 0 to 10
Resists flexion of the neck. Has small pinpoint purpuric rash bilaterally on lower extremities
Capillary refill is 2 seconds
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","H","I"]
Rationale:
- Sudden onset of fever, headache, sensitivity to light (photophobia): This triad of symptoms is a hallmark of meningeal irritation and strongly suggests meningitis. The sudden onset of fever and headache, paired with photophobia (light sensitivity), is often seen in bacterial or viral meningitis.
- Lethargic and drowsy but arouses with verbal stimuli, Irritable when aroused: This indicates an altered mental status, which is concerning in the context of suspected meningitis. Altered consciousness (such as lethargy and irritability when aroused) suggests central nervous system (CNS) involvement, often due to an infection like meningitis.
- Headache as a 10 on a numeric pain scale of 0 to 10: A severe headache is a key symptom of meningeal irritation, often caused by the inflammation of the meninges in conditions like meningitis. The intensity of the headache (10 out of 10) warrants immediate attention and pain management, alongside investigating the underlying cause.
- Resists flexion of the neck (Nuchal rigidity): Nuchal rigidity (neck stiffness) is a cardinal sign of meningitis or meningeal irritation. It indicates inflammation of the meninges. This finding, especially when combined with other symptoms, strongly points toward meningitis.
- Small pinpoint purpuric rash bilaterally on lower extremities: A purpuric rash (non-blanching could indicate meningococcemia, a severe form of bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The presence of this rash requires immediate attention and intervention.
Rationale for incorrect Findings:
- Pupils equal, round, reactive to light, accommodation (PERRLA); This finding suggests that the infant's neurological status is stable in terms of pupil response, with no immediate signs of increased intracranial pressure or brain herniation.
- Hand grasps and pedal pulls and pushes are strong and equal bilaterally: This indicates that the infant is still demonstrating full motor strength and function in the limbs, which is reassuring in the context of meningeal irritation. There is no immediate evidence of weakness or paralysis.
- Mucous membranes are pink and dry: Pinl mucous membranes suggest adequate perfusion and dry mucous membranes could indicate dehydration, which is common with fever and poor oral intake. While it is a concern, the dryness of mucous membranes does not directly point to a critical or life-threatening issue like the neurological findings.
- Skin is very warm and dry to touch: The warmth and dryness of the skin indicate fever, which is expected in infections such as meningitis. Fever management, such as antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen), is necessary, but it is not as urgent as other neurological findings.
- Capillary refill is 2 seconds: A capillary refill time of 2 seconds is considered normal. It suggests that the child has adequate perfusion and circulation. This is a reassuring sign and does not require immediate follow-up.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,B,C"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B,C"},"D":{"answers":"B,C"}}
Explanation
Rationale:
- Red rash on the face: The red rash on the face is common in all three viral infections but presents differently in each. In Fifth disease, it appears as a "slapped cheek" rash, bright red on the cheeks. In Measles, the rash starts on the face, particularly behind the ears, and spreads to the body. Rubella causes a mild pinkish-red rash that begins on the face and spreads down, but it is usually less intense than in the other two diseases.
- Koplik spots in the mouth: Koplik spots are a classic feature of Measles, appearing as small white spots inside the mouth, typically on the buccal mucosa opposite the molars, and are present before the rash. Fifth disease and Rubella do not present with Koplik spots.
- Fever: Fever is common in all three diseases but varies in severity. Fifth disease usually presents with a low-grade fever. Measles often causes a high fever that spikes before the characteristic rash. Rubella typically causes a mild fever, especially in the early stages.
- Lymphadenopathy: Lymphadenopathy is prominent in Measles and Rubella, where it often affects the cervical and postauricular lymph nodes. Fifth disease does not typically cause significant lymphadenopathy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Understands that death is permanent: Preschoolers generally do not understand the permanence of death. They may view death as temporary or reversible, as their cognitive development is still in the preoperational stage, where they are not fully able to grasp abstract concepts like the permanence of death.
B. Perceives death as a punishment: Preschoolers may view death as a punishment or something they caused, due to their egocentric thinking. They may think that their actions or behaviors (e.g., being "bad") have led to death, as they often see the world from a very self-centered perspective.
C. Has feelings of isolation: Feelings of isolation are more commonly seen in older children or adolescents who understand death better and may have social concerns. Preschoolers are more likely to be confused or fearful about death rather than experiencing isolation.
D. Worries about physical body changes: While preschoolers may be curious about their bodies, their primary focus is usually on the emotional and social aspects of death (e.g., fear of separation from loved ones), rather than worrying about physical body changes associated with dying.
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