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 ["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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching. The Pavlik harness is a device that holds the infant's hips in a flexed and abducted position to allow the femoral head to fit into the acetabulum. The harness should not be removed by the parents, as this may interfere with the treatment and cause complications. The nurse should instruct the parents to sponge bathe the infant while wearing the harness.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching. The length of the straps of the Pavlik harness should not be adjusted by the parents, as this may affect the alignment and stability of the infant's hips. The nurse should instruct the parents to bring the infant to the provider's office regularly for check-ups and adjustments of the harness.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching. Massaging the infant's skin under the straps of the Pavlik harness may cause irritation, friction, or pressure on the skin, which may lead to skin breakdown or infection. The nurse should instruct the parents to keep the infant's skin clean and dry, and to check for any signs of redness, swelling, or drainage.
Choice D reason: This is a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching. Placing the diaper under the straps of the Pavlik harness prevents the diaper from interfering with the position and function of the harness. The nurse should instruct the parents to change the diaper frequently and to avoid using bulky or cloth diapers.
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