A nurse is caring for an adolescent who was brought to the emergency department (ED) with a high fever, headache, and neck stiffness. The nurse reviews the adolescent's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis results and notes the following:
- WBC count 300 cells/microliter (normal range: 0 to 10 cells/microliter)
- Protein 45 mg/dL (normal range: 15 to 45 mg/dL)
- Glucose 40 mg/dL (normal range: 50 to 75 mg/dL)
- Color Turbid (normal: clear and colorless)
The nurse should suspect that the adolescent has which of the following conditions?
Bacterial meningitis.
Viral meningitis.
Encephalitis.
Brain abscess.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Bacterial meningitis is a probable condition, as it is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, caused by various bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, or Haemophilus influenzae. The adolescent has many signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis, such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness.
Choice B reason: Viral meningitis is not a likely condition, as it is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, caused by various viruses, such as enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, or mumps virus. The adolescent has some signs and symptoms of viral meningitis, such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness, but they are usually less severe than bacterial meningitis.
Choice C reason: Encephalitis is not a probable condition, as it is an inflammation of the brain tissue, usually caused by viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus, West Nile virus, or rabies virus. The adolescent has some signs and symptoms of encephalitis, such as fever, headache, and altered mental status, but they are usually accompanied by focal neurological deficits, such as seizures, paralysis, or cranial nerve palsies.
Choice D reason: Brain abscess is not a definite condition, as it is a collection of pus within the brain tissue, usually caused by bacterial infections that spread from other parts of the body, such as the ear, sinus, or lung. The adolescent has some signs and symptoms of brain abscess, such as fever, headache, and altered mental status, but they are usually accompanied by focal neurological deficits, such as seizures, paralysis, or cranial nerve palsies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Balancing the scale to 0 prior to use is a correct action for the nurse to take. This ensures that the scale is accurate and does not include any extra weight from the scale itself or any objects on it.
Choice B reason: Using a stadiometer to measure the infant is not a correct action for the nurse to take. A stadiometer is a device that measures the height of a standing person. It is not suitable for measuring the length of an infant who cannot stand. The nurse should use a measuring board or a tape measure to measure the infant's length.
Choice C reason: Placing a disposable covering on the scale is a correct action for the nurse to take. This prevents the transmission of germs or dirt from the scale to the infant or vice versa. It also protects the scale from any urine or stool that the infant may produce during the weighing.
Choice D reason: Weighing the infant in a diaper is not a correct action for the nurse to take. A diaper can add extra weight to the infant's measurement and affect the accuracy of the result. The nurse should weigh the infant without any clothing or diaper.
Choice E reason: Measuring the infant from crown of the head to the heels of feet is a correct action for the nurse to take. This is the standard method of measuring the length of an infant. The nurse should place the infant on a flat surface, align the head with the top of the measuring board or tape measure, and extend the legs fully. The nurse should then read the measurement at the bottom of the infant's feet.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A 24-gauge catheter is appropriate for a small and fragile vein of a 12-month-old infant. It minimizes the risk of damaging the vein and ensures the comfort of the infant during IV therapy.
Choice B reason: Starting an IV in the infant's foot is not the first choice due to the risk of movement dislodging the catheter. The hand or the antecubital fossa are preferred sites for IV insertion in infants.
Choice C reason: While it is important to cover the IV insertion site, an opaque dressing is not necessary. A transparent dressing is preferred as it allows for continuous visibility of the site for signs of infection or phlebitis.
Choice D reason: The IV site should not be routinely changed every 3 days. It should be changed based on clinical indications such as signs of infection, infiltration, or phlebitis, or if the IV becomes dislodged.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today