A client presents with the onset of a severe headache, fever, nuchal rigidity, and a petechial rash on arms and legs. The nurse recognizes the client is exhibiting symptoms of which condition?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Intracerebral hemorrhage.
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
Meningococcal meningitis.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Rocky Mountain spotted fever is not the most likely condition for the client who has a severe headache, fever, nuchal rigidity, and a petechial rash on arms and legs. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks that causes a distinctive rash that usually begins on the wrists and ankles and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash is not limited to the arms and legs, and the client may also have other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscle aches.
Choice B reason: Intracerebral hemorrhage is not the most likely condition for the client who has a severe headache, fever, nuchal rigidity, and a petechial rash on arms and legs. Intracerebral hemorrhage is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain, causing bleeding and swelling. The rash is not a typical sign of intracerebral hemorrhage, and the client may also have other symptoms such as weakness, numbness, vision loss, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Choice C reason: Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is not the most likely condition for the client who has a severe headache, fever, nuchal rigidity, and a petechial rash on arms and legs. CVA is another term for stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain tissue damage. The rash is not a common sign of CVA, and the client may also have other symptoms such as facial drooping, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, paralysis, and cognitive impairment.
Choice D reason: Meningococcal meningitis is the most likely condition for the client who has a severe headache, fever, nuchal rigidity, and a petechial rash on arms and legs. Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The rash is a characteristic sign of meningococcal meningitis, which can appear as small red or purple spots that do not fade when pressed. The client may also have other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, and seizures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because teaching the client to wear a mask, hand wash, and social distance is not the most important action for the nurse to take. These are preventive measures that should be followed by everyone, regardless of their COVID-19 status.
Choice B reason: This is correct because isolating the client from other clients, family, and healthcare workers not wearing proper PPE is the most important action for the nurse to take. This is to prevent transmission of COVID-19 to others who may be at risk of severe complications or death.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department according to CDC guidelines is not the most important action for the nurse to take. This is a legal and ethical obligation that should be done after confirming the diagnosis, but it does not have an immediate impact on the client's health or safety.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because explaining to the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed in the last 14 days is not the most important action for the nurse to take. This is a moral and social responsibility that should be done as soon as possible, but it does not address the urgent need of isolating the client from potential sources of infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Measuring capillary glucose level is not a priority action for a client with a rigid abdomen and rebound tenderness. These signs indicate peritonitis, which is a serious complication of IBD that requires immediate attention. Corticosteroids can increase blood glucose levels, but this is not an urgent concern in this situation.
Choice B reason: Encouraging ambulation in the room is not appropriate for a client with a rigid abdomen and rebound tenderness. These signs indicate peritonitis, which is a serious complication of IBD that requires immediate attention. Ambulation can worsen the pain and inflammation, and increase the risk of bowel perforation.
Choice C reason: Monitoring for bloody diarrheal stools is important for a client with IBD, but not a priority action for a client with a rigid abdomen and rebound tenderness. These signs indicate peritonitis, which is a serious complication of IBD that requires immediate attention. Bloody stools can be a sign of ulceration or bleeding in the bowel, but they are not specific to peritonitis.
Choice D reason: Obtaining vital sign measurements is the priority action for a client with a rigid abdomen and rebound tenderness. These signs indicate peritonitis, which is a serious complication of IBD that requires immediate attention. Vital signs can reveal signs of infection, inflammation, shock, and organ failure, which can guide the appropriate interventions and treatments.
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