What intervention(s) would the nurse caring for a child with infectious meningitis include? (Select all that apply.)
Observation for increasing intracranial pressure
Isolation precautions
Turn lights on to brighten the room
Preparation for lumbar puncture
Apply seizure precautions
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
A. Observation for increasing intracranial pressure is a critical intervention in the care of a child with infectious meningitis. Meningitis can lead to inflammation of the meninges, which may result in increased pressure within the skull.
B. Isolation precautions may be necessary depending on the causative organism and mode of transmission of the infectious meningitis. Bacterial meningitis, for example, may require droplet precautions to prevent the spread of infection to others.
D. Lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap) is a diagnostic procedure often performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis in cases of suspected meningitis. It is an essential intervention in the diagnostic workup of infectious meningitis as it helps identify the causative organism and guide appropriate treatment.
C. Seizure precautions are important for children with infectious meningitis, as meningitis can increase the risk of seizures due to inflammation and irritation of the brain.
C. Bright lights can exacerbate symptoms such as headache and photophobia (sensitivity to light) in patients with meningitis, especially during the acute phase of illness. Therefore, it is not advisable to turn lights on to brighten the room for a child with infectious meningitis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. This is the correct characteristic of decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing is characterized by rigid extension and pronation (turning inward) of the arms and legs. It indicates severe neurological dysfunction and increased intracranial pressure, often involving damage to the brainstem.
A. This characteristic is not associated with decerebrate posturing. Adduction refers to movement toward the midline of the body, which is not typically observed in decerebrate posturing.
B. This description is not characteristic of decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing involves extension, not flexion, of the upper extremities, along with extension and pronation (not adduction) of the lower extremities.
C. Flaccid paralysis refers to the absence of muscle tone and movement, which is not characteristic of decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing involves increased muscle tone and abnormal, rigid extension of the arms and legs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is a common postictal manifestation after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Following the intense muscle activity and convulsions during the seizure, the child may experience exhaustion and feel sleepy. The postictal state often involves a period of drowsiness or even brief loss of consciousness.
B. Restlessness is less likely to be observed immediately after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Instead, the child is more likely to exhibit fatigue and lethargy as the body recovers from the seizure activity.
C. Anxiety may occur during or immediately after the seizure due to the sudden and frightening nature of the event. However, in the postictal period, anxiety typically diminishes as the child becomes more oriented and aware of their surroundings.
D. Nausea is not a typical postictal manifestation after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. While some individuals may experience nausea or vomiting during the seizure (ictal phase), it is less common in the postictal period.
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