A lumbar puncture is done on an infant suspected to have meningitis. If the infant has bacterial meningitis, the nurse would expect the cerebral spinal fluid to show what result?
An elevated red blood cell count
A decreased white cell count
An elevated white blood cell count
A normal glucose
The Correct Answer is C
A. An elevated red blood cell count is not a typical finding in bacterial meningitis. An increase in red blood cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is more indicative of a traumatic lumbar puncture or hemorrhage.
B. A decreased white cell count would not be expected in bacterial meningitis. Bacterial infections typically lead to an increase in white blood cell count as part of the immune response to fight the infection.
C. An elevated white blood cell count is a hallmark of bacterial meningitis. This finding indicates an immune response in the CSF to the presence of bacteria. The cells are primarily neutrophils in bacterial infections.
D. A normal glucose level is not expected in bacterial meningitis. Glucose is typically decreased due to the consumption of glucose by bacteria and white blood cells in the CSF.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administering anti-seizure medication is the priority. In a child experiencing status epilepticus, immediate administration of anti-seizure medication is essential to stop the seizure activity and prevent further neurological damage. The primary goal is to terminate the seizure as quickly as possible.
B. Restraining the child to prevent injury is not the priority. Restraining a child during a seizure can increase the risk of injury and is not recommended. Instead, protecting the child from harm by placing them in a safe position is more appropriate.
C. Providing emotional support to the child's family is important, but it is not the immediate priority during the acute phase of status epilepticus. The child's immediate safety and health take precedence.
D. Documenting the seizure activity should be done after ensuring that the seizure has been controlled. Accurate documentation is important, but it is secondary to the intervention needed to stop the seizure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Respiratory rate can be influenced by many factors, including fever or anxiety, and is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss.
B. Blood pressure may change with severe dehydration, but it can be a late sign, and other factors (like shock) can also affect blood pressure, so it's not the most reliable early indicator.
C. Body weight is the most reliable and sensitive indicator of fluid loss, as even small changes in weight reflect changes in hydration status. Monitoring weight helps assess fluid loss accurately.
D. Skin integrity can be affected by dehydration, but it's not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss. It may take longer to show visible signs such as dry skin or poor turgor.
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