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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fifth disease is a viral infection that causes a rash on the face and body. It is also known as erythema infectiosum or slapped cheek syndrome. It is not the same as pertussis.
Choice B reason: Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing spells that end with a whooping sound. It is also known as pertussis or the 100-day cough. It is the correct common name for the disease.
Choice C reason: Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes an itchy rash with blisters. It is also known as varicella. It is not the same as pertussis.
Choice D reason: Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands. It is also known as parotitis. It is not the same as pertussis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Holding the infant's chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This position may cause spinal cord compression or respiratory distress in the infant. The nurse should position the infant on his side with his back arched and his head and knees flexed.
Choice B reason: Placing the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This position may increase the intracranial pressure and cause headaches or vomiting in the infant. The nurse should keep the infant flat or slightly elevated for 4 to 6 hr after the procedure.
Choice C reason: Keeping the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This may cause dehydration or hypoglycemia in the infant. The nurse should follow the provider's orders for fasting, which are usually 2 to 4 hr for clear liquids and 4 to 6 hr for solids.
Choice D reason: Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure is a correct action for the nurse to take. This is a topical anesthetic that can reduce the pain and discomfort of the needle insertion. The nurse should apply the cream to the lower back and cover it with an occlusive dressing.
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