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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Green zone reading on peak expiratory flow meter:
A green zone reading on a peak expiratory flow meter indicates that the child's peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is within the normal or stable range. This would not typically be indicative of an exacerbation of asthma. In fact, a green zone reading suggests that asthma is well-controlled.
B. Rhinitis:
Rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa, is a common symptom in individuals with asthma, but it is not necessarily indicative of an exacerbation of asthma. Rhinitis can occur due to allergic or non-allergic triggers and may be present even when asthma is well-controlled.
C. Axillary temperature of 37.2°C (99°F):
An axillary temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range for body temperature and is not indicative of an exacerbation of asthma. While fever can occur during exacerbations of asthma, it is not a universal symptom and may be absent in some cases.
D. Hacking, nonproductive cough:
This is the correct option. A hacking, nonproductive cough is a common symptom of asthma exacerbation. During an exacerbation, the airways become inflamed and constricted, leading to coughing. The cough may be dry and unproductive, and it is often worse at night or early in the morning.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Ophthalmologist: This healthcare professional specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. While eye problems can occur in infants, congenital talipes equinovarus specifically involves foot deformities rather than eye issues. Therefore, a referral to an ophthalmologist wouldn't be appropriate for this condition.
B. Nutrition counselor: A nutrition counselor provides guidance on diet and nutrition-related issues. While nutrition is essential for overall health, it's not directly related to the treatment of congenital talipes equinovarus. Therefore, a referral to a nutrition counselor wouldn't typically be part of the care plan for this condition.
C. Speech therapist: Speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists, specialize in evaluating and treating communication and swallowing disorders. However, congenital talipes equinovarus doesn't affect speech or swallowing. Therefore, a referral to a speech therapist wouldn't be relevant for this condition.
D. Orthopedic specialist: An orthopedic specialist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including congenital abnormalities like clubfoot. They are trained to assess the severity of the deformity and develop a treatment plan, which may include non-surgical or surgical interventions to correct the foot alignment. Therefore, a referral to an orthopedic specialist is the most appropriate choice for an infant with congenital talipes equinovarus.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today