A nurse in the emergency department is evaluating a young adult client for bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take as part of the focused assessment?

Tap the client's facial nerve and note any facial twitching.

Strike the client's patellar tendon with a percussion hammer and note any increase in response.

Gently elevate the client's head and note any nuchal rigidity.

Run a tongue blade on the outside of the client's sole and note any flaring of the toes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Tapping the client's facial nerve and noting any facial twitching is not a specific assessment for bacterial meningitis. This action is more related to evaluating facial nerve function and is not typically used to diagnose meningitis.

Choice B reason: Striking the client's patellar tendon with a percussion hammer and noting any increase in response is a test for reflexes, which may or may not be altered in bacterial meningitis. An increased response can be seen in various neurological conditions and is not specific to meningitis.

Choice C reason: Gently elevating the client's head and noting any nuchal rigidity is a key part of the focused assessment for bacterial meningitis. Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningitis and is assessed by gently lifting the head and attempting to move the chin toward the chest. If the client resists due to pain or stiffness, this could indicate nuchal rigidity associated with meningitis.

Choice D reason: Running a tongue blade on the outside of the client's sole and noting any flaring of the toes, known as the Babinski sign, is used to assess for central nervous system lesions and is not specific to meningitis. While it can be part of a neurological assessment, it does not specifically indicate bacterial meningitis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason : Changing the transparent membrane dressing daily is not necessary unless it's soiled or compromised. The dressing is typically changed every 7 days or per institutional policy to reduce the risk of infection.

Choice B reason: Using a non-coring needle is not applicable for PICC lines as they are designed for use with a luer-lock syringe for medication administration and flushing.

Choice C reason : Maintaining a continuous IV infusion is not required for a PICC line unless clinically indicated. Intermittent use is common for medication administration, and the line should be flushed before and after use to maintain patency.

Choice D reason : Flushing the catheter with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution after each use is the correct action. This helps to maintain catheter patency and prevent occlusion.

A. "I'm going to include more cantaloupe in my diet." B. "I will check my pulse before I take the medication." C. "I will try to limit foods that contain salt." D. "I'll check my blood pressure so it doesn't get too high."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Including more cantaloupe in the diet is a good practice for a client on furosemide therapy. Cantaloupe is high in potassium, and furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) as it is a potent diuretic that increases urine production and the excretion of various electrolytes, including potassium. Therefore, consuming foods rich in potassium can help counteract this potential adverse effect.

Choice B reason: Checking the pulse before taking the medication is a general safety measure but does not directly relate to a specific adverse effect of furosemide. While it's important to monitor heart rate, especially in clients with heart failure, this statement does not reflect an understanding of the adverse effects related to furosemide.

Choice C reason: Trying to limit foods that contain salt is an appropriate action for a client with heart failure but is not directly related to an adverse effect of furosemide. Reducing salt intake can help manage heart failure by preventing fluid retention; however, it does not address the specific adverse effects of furosemide therapy.

Choice D reason: Checking blood pressure to ensure it doesn't get too high is important for clients with heart failure but does not indicate an understanding of the adverse effects of furosemide. Furosemide is used to reduce excess fluid in the body, which can lower blood pressure, not increase it. This statement does not reflect an understanding of furosemide's potential to cause electrolyte imbalances.

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A nurse in the emergency department is evaluating a young adult client for bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take as part of the focused assessment?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line in her left forearm. The client is receiving an antibiotic via intermittent IV bolus every 12 hours. Which of the following actions should the nurse take in managing the client's PICC line?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to start furosemide therapy for heart failure. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands a potential adverse effect of this medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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