A child is being admitted with the diagnosis of meningitis. Select the procedure the nurse should do first:
Send the spinal fluid and blood samples to the laboratory for cultures.
Administration of maintenance intravenous fluids.
Placement of a urinary catheter.
Administration of intravenous antibiotics.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Sending spinal fluid and blood for cultures is critical to identify the meningitis-causing organism, but it is not the first action. Delaying antibiotics risks worsening the infection, as bacterial meningitis progresses rapidly, causing neurological damage or death, making treatment the priority.
Choice B reason: Administering maintenance IV fluids supports hydration but is not the first priority in meningitis. Antibiotics are urgent to combat the infection, as bacterial meningitis can cause septicemia or brain damage within hours, making fluid administration secondary to immediate antimicrobial therapy.
Choice C reason: Placing a urinary catheter is unnecessary as the first action in meningitis. It may be used for monitoring in severe cases but does not address the urgent need to treat the infection. Antibiotics take precedence to prevent rapid neurological deterioration from bacterial proliferation.
Choice D reason: Administering IV antibiotics is the priority in suspected meningitis to rapidly treat bacterial infection, preventing complications like septicemia or brain damage. Prompt antibiotic therapy targets pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis, halting disease progression and improving outcomes in this life-threatening condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Gradual resumption of activities allows recovery from an epidural hematoma, a traumatic brain injury. Controlled reintroduction minimizes cognitive and physical strain, reducing the risk of re-injury or increased intracranial pressure, while supporting neurological healing and adaptation to normal activities post-recovery.
Choice B reason: Allowing sports with headgear is risky post-epidural hematoma, as even minor trauma can cause re-bleeding or increased intracranial pressure. The brain remains vulnerable during recovery, and physical activities like sports require medical clearance to ensure complete healing and prevent neurological complications.
Choice C reason: Prohibiting gym or sports entirely may be overly restrictive. Depending on recovery, gradual participation with medical approval is possible. Blanket restrictions ignore individual healing progress, potentially limiting physical rehabilitation, which can aid recovery when appropriately timed and monitored.
Choice D reason: Medical clearance for attending classes is unnecessary unless neurological deficits persist. School attendance involves minimal physical risk, and gradual cognitive reintegration supports recovery. Requiring clearance may delay socialization and learning, which are beneficial for psychological and cognitive rehabilitation post-injury.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Chickenpox, caused by varicella-zoster virus, presents with a rash and fever, not the characteristic cough of pertussis. It is a distinct viral infection, unrelated to the bacterial respiratory pathology of pertussis, which is caused by Bordetella pertussis.
Choice B reason: Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is commonly called whooping cough due to the distinctive whooping sound during coughing fits. This bacterial infection causes severe, prolonged coughing, particularly in children, making it the correct common name for the disease.
Choice C reason: Measles, caused by the rubeola virus, presents with rash, fever, and Koplik spots, not a whooping cough. It is a viral infection, distinct from the bacterial etiology of pertussis, making this an incorrect common name for the condition.
Choice D reason: Fifth disease, caused by parvovirus B19, causes a slapped-cheek rash, not a cough. It is a viral infection, unrelated to the bacterial respiratory symptoms of pertussis, making it an incorrect common name for this bacterial disease.
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