A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a child who has a temperature of 39.1° C (102.4° F) and a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice AReason:

Exposure to secondhand smoke is incorrect. While exposure to secondhand smoke isn't healthy for anyone, it might not be a primary trigger for seizures in most cases. However, for some individuals, exposure to certain environmental toxins or irritants might exacerbate their condition, though this varies from person to person.

Choice BReason:

Decreased temperature is incorrect. While extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can potentially trigger seizures in some individuals, decreased temperature alone might not be a common trigger compared to other factors.

Choice C Reason:

Lack of sleep is correct. Sleep deprivation can be a significant trigger for seizures in people with epilepsy or seizure disorders. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and ensuring adequate sleep is an important aspect of managing seizures in these individuals.

Choice D Reason:

Prolonged headache is incorrect. Headaches can sometimes be a warning sign or an aura before a seizure for some individuals, but having a headache alone might not directly trigger a seizure for most people with a seizure disorder. However, there can be a relationship between headaches and certain types of seizures in specific cases.

Choice A Reason:

Encourage frequent physical activity to increase bone mass: While physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health, in the case of osteomyelitis, encouraging excessive or frequent physical activity might exacerbate pain, discomfort, and the risk of further bone injury. Controlled and appropriate physical activity may be recommended, but it should be individualized based on the child's condition and the affected area.

Choice B Reason:

Provide a high-calorie, low-protein diet: In osteomyelitis, a balanced and nutritious diet is important to support the child's overall health and aid in recovery. However, a high-calorie, low-protein diet would not be suitable for combating infection or supporting healing. Adequate protein intake is essential for tissue repair and immune function.

Choice C Reason:

Initiate contact precautions for the child: Osteomyelitis is not typically transmitted from person to person. It's an infection within the bone that doesn't require contact precautions for prevention of spread among individuals. Treatment primarily involves antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage, but it doesn't necessitate isolation precautions.

Choice D Reason:

Maintain a patent intravenous catheter: Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for osteomyelitis, and they are usually administered intravenously for an extended period to effectively eradicate the infection. Maintaining a patent intravenous catheter ensures continuous access for medication administration.