The nurse is caring for a 4-month-old infant in the emergency department. The nurse reviews the infant's medical record and assessment findings. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect, and what actions should the nurse take to address that condition, and what parameters should the nurse monitor to assess the infant's progress?
The nurse should suspect that the infant has
meningitis.
hydrocephalus.
intracranial hemorrhage.
sepsis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Meningitis is a possible condition, as it is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by various microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The infant has many signs and symptoms of meningitis, such as fever, irritability, lethargy, bulging fontanel, and clear cerebrospinal fluid from the lumbar puncture.
Choice B reason: Hydrocephalus is not a likely condition, as it is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which causes increased intracranial pressure and enlargement of the head. The infant has a bulging fontanel, which can indicate increased intracranial pressure, but not necessarily hydrocephalus. The infant does not have other signs of hydrocephalus, such as a rapidly increasing head circumference, prominent scalp veins, or sunset eyes.
Choice C reason: Intracranial hemorrhage is not a probable condition, as it is a bleeding within the skull, which can result from trauma, vascular malformation, or coagulation disorder. The infant has retinal hemorrhages, which can indicate intracranial hemorrhage, but not necessarily. The infant does not have other signs of intracranial hemorrhage, such as seizures, vomiting, or altered mental status.
Choice D reason: Sepsis is not a definite condition, as it is a systemic inflammatory response to an infection, which can cause organ dysfunction and shock. The infant has a fever, which can indicate sepsis, but not necessarily. The infant does not have other signs of sepsis, such as tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, or poor perfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Glyburide is an oral medication that lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. It is not used for type 1 diabetes mellitus, as the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin in this condition. Glyburide is used for type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is caused by insulin resistance.
Choice B reason: Obtaining an influenza vaccine annually is recommended for people who have type 1 diabetes mellitus, as they are more prone to complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, ketoacidosis, and hospitalization. The vaccine can help prevent or reduce the severity of the flu and its complications.
Choice C reason: Injecting insulin in the deltoid muscle is not the best practice for administering insulin, as the absorption rate and onset of action may vary depending on the muscle mass and blood flow. The preferred sites for insulin injection are the abdomen, the upper arms, the thighs, and the buttocks, as they have more subcutaneous fat and less muscle tissue. The injection site should also be rotated to prevent lipodystrophy.
Choice D reason: Administering glucagon for hyperglycemia is not appropriate, as glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar by stimulating the liver to release glucose. It is used for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which is a common and serious complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is treated with insulin, fluids, and electrolytes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Insulin therapy and fluid replacement are the main treatments for DKA, as they lower the blood glucose level and correct the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by osmotic diuresis and acidosis.
Choice B reason: Glucagon injection and potassium supplements are not indicated for DKA, as they may worsen the hyperglycemia and the hyperkalemia. Glucagon stimulates the liver to release more glucose into the bloodstream, while potassium supplements may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C reason: Bicarbonate infusion and sodium restriction are not the first-line treatments for DKA, as they may have adverse effects on the acid-base balance and the fluid status. Bicarbonate infusion may cause paradoxical cerebral acidosis and hypokalemia, while sodium restriction may exacerbate the hyponatremia and the hypovolemia.
Choice D reason: Dextrose infusion and diuretics are contraindicated for DKA, as they may increase the blood glucose level and the dehydration. Dextrose infusion may trigger a rebound hyperglycemia, while diuretics may cause further fluid and electrolyte loss.
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