A client with suspected meningitis presents with pink-colored cerebrospinal fluid during a lumbar puncture. What does this finding indicate?
Normal CSF.
Blood contamination.
Bacterial infection.
Dehydration.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
If the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were normal, it would have clear and colorless appearance. Pink-colored CSF indicates the presence of an abnormality, ruling out the normal CSF as an option.
Choice B rationale:
The pink color of the CSF suggests blood contamination, which can occur during the lumbar puncture procedure. The presence of blood can alter the CSF composition and lead to false interpretations of laboratory results.
Choice C rationale:
Bacterial infection may present with cloudy or purulent CSF, but it is not specifically associated with pink-colored CSF. Other signs, such as elevated white blood cell count and elevated protein levels, would be more indicative of a bacterial infection.
Choice D rationale:
Dehydration does not typically cause pink-colored CSF. Dehydration may lead to a higher concentration of solutes in the CSF, but it does not affect its coloration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The recommended preventive measure for a client planning to travel to a high-risk area for meningitis is to take prophylactic antibiotics. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and it can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria. Travel to high-risk areas may increase the risk of exposure to meningitis-causing bacteria. Prophylactic antibiotics are given to individuals at high risk of contracting bacterial meningitis to prevent infection or reduce the severity if exposed. Commonly used antibiotics for prophylaxis include ciprofloxacin, rifampin, and others, depending on the specific high-risk area and its predominant pathogens.
Choice B rationale:
Getting vaccinated against mumps is not the recommended preventive measure for meningitis caused by other pathogens. Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, and while it can cause complications, it is not a common cause of meningitis. The appropriate preventive measure for mumps is vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Choice C rationale:
Practicing good hand hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of infections in general, but it is not specifically targeted at preventing meningitis. Meningitis is usually transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals. While hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of contracting various infections, it is not the primary preventive measure for meningitis.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding close contact with people with respiratory infections is a good practice to reduce the risk of various respiratory infections, including those that can cause meningitis. However, it is not the recommended specific preventive measure for a client planning to travel to a high-risk area for meningitis. Prophylactic antibiotics are the more appropriate choice in this situation to directly target potential meningitis-causing bacteria.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Meningococcal meningitis is not mainly seen in infants. It can affect individuals of all ages, but infants and young children are more susceptible to certain types of bacterial meningitis, such as Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Choice B rationale:
Meningococcal meningitis is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, close contact with an infected person, or exposure to contaminated respiratory or throat secretions. It is not primarily linked to regions with contaminated water.
Choice C rationale:
Meningococcal meningitis can progress rapidly and cause death within hours if left untreated. Therefore, early recognition and prompt medical treatment are essential to improve outcomes.
Choice D rationale:
The statement comparing meningococcal meningitis with fungal meningitis' mortality rate is not accurate. While meningococcal meningitis can be severe, fungal meningitis is generally associated with a higher mortality rate, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
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