A nurse is admitting a child who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Initiate antibiotic therapy for the child.

Minimize the child's environmental stimuli.

Place the child in a side-lying position.

Administer pain medication to the child.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Initiate antibiotic therapy for the child.

This is the priority action. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency, and prompt administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat the infection and prevent further complications. Therefore, the nurse should initiate antibiotic therapy as soon as possible after obtaining appropriate cultures.

B. Minimize the child's environmental stimuli.

While reducing environmental stimuli can help decrease the child's discomfort and prevent agitation, it is not the priority action when managing bacterial meningitis. Treating the underlying infection takes precedence to prevent serious complications such as neurological damage or septic shock.

C. Place the child in a side-lying position.

Positioning the child on their side may help prevent aspiration if vomiting occurs, but it is not the priority action in the initial management of bacterial meningitis. The child's positioning can be adjusted as needed once antibiotic therapy has been initiated.

D. Administer pain medication to the child.

Pain management is important for the child's comfort, but it is not the priority action when managing bacterial meningitis. The child's pain may be addressed once antibiotic therapy has been initiated and the child's condition has stabilized.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Place the child in a room with bright fluorescent lighting.

This option is not appropriate because bright fluorescent lighting can be uncomfortable and potentially aggravate symptoms such as headache or sensitivity to light, which are common after a head injury. Therefore, it is not included in the plan of care.

B. Initiate seizure precautions for the child.

This intervention is appropriate because children with head injuries are at an increased risk of seizures. Seizure precautions may include ensuring a safe environment, such as padding the sides of the bed, removing any objects that could cause harm during a seizure, and closely monitoring the child's neurological status for signs of seizure activity.

C. Use the COMFORT scale to rate the child's pain.

While assessing and managing pain is important, the COMFORT scale may not be the most appropriate tool for evaluating pain in a child with a head injury. The nurse should use a pain assessment tool that is specifically designed for pediatric patients and is suitable for assessing pain in children with head injuries.

D. Suction the child's nares to determine the presence of fluid.

Suctioning the child's nares may be indicated if there are concerns about airway patency or respiratory secretions. However, it is not a routine intervention for all children with head injuries. The nurse should assess the child's respiratory status and use suctioning only if necessary based on clinical findings.

A. Dry mouth B. Constipation C. Back pain D. Urticaria

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Dry mouth: Dry mouth is not a common adverse effect of cefazolin. It is more commonly associated with other medications, such as anticholinergic drugs. While dry mouth may be uncomfortable, it is not typically considered a serious adverse effect of cefazolin that requires immediate reporting.

B. Constipation: Constipation is also not a common adverse effect of cefazolin. It is more commonly associated with other medications, dietary factors, or underlying medical conditions. Similar to dry mouth, constipation is not typically considered a serious adverse effect of cefazolin that requires immediate reporting.

C. Back pain: Back pain is not a common adverse effect of cefazolin. While musculoskeletal adverse effects can occur with some antibiotics, back pain is not typically associated with cefazolin. However, if severe or persistent back pain occurs, it should be reported to the healthcare provider for evaluation.

D. Urticaria: Urticaria, also known as hives, is a potential adverse effect of cefazolin and other antibiotics. It is characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin and can be a sign of an allergic reaction. Urticaria should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately, as it may indicate a serious allergic reaction requiring prompt medical attention.

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A nurse is admitting a child who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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