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A nurse is admitting an 8-year-old child to the pediatric unit..

Exhibits

The nurse suspects the child has bacterial meningitis.

Drag words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence.

The child is at greatest risk for developing

and .
Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}

  • Seizures: Bacterial meningitis causes inflammation and irritation of the brain's meninges, increasing the risk of seizures as the brain becomes more excitable. Seizures are a common serious complication and require close monitoring and prompt treatment.
  • Increased intracranial pressure: Inflammation from meningitis can cause cerebral edema, leading to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Elevated ICP can worsen neurological status and cause brain herniation if untreated, making it a critical complication to watch for.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

  • Hypothermia: This child presents with fever Temperature 38.7° C (101.7° F), which is typical in bacterial meningitis; hypothermia is not a common risk in this condition.
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): Although DIC can occur in severe sepsis, it is less common early in meningitis and not the greatest immediate risk. Additionaly the child has a normal platelet count 350,000/mm³ making DIC unlikely currently.
  • Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus can develop as a late complication due to blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow but is less immediate than seizures and increased ICP.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "Place your infant on a soft crib mattress after they are 4 months old.": A soft mattress increases the risk of suffocation and should be avoided at all ages. Infants should always sleep on a firm crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of SUID.

B. "Use bumper pads around the interior of your infant's crib.": Bumper pads pose a suffocation and strangulation hazard and are no longer recommended. Cribs should be kept bare, without pillows, toys, or bumpers.

C. "Share a bedroom with your infant for the first 6 months.": Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended as a protective factor against SUID. It allows for easier monitoring and feeding while reducing risks associated with co-sleeping in the same bed.

D. "Cover your infant with a nonflammable blanket at bedtime.": Blankets of any kind can increase the risk of suffocation or overheating. Instead, caregivers should use sleep sacks or wearable blankets designed for infant safety during sleep.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Mucosal ulceration: This is an acute side effect of radiation therapy that typically occurs during or shortly after treatment, not a late effect. It results from damage to rapidly dividing mucosal cells and usually resolves after therapy ends.

B. Desquamation: Skin peeling or desquamation is an acute reaction occurring within days to weeks after radiation exposure and is not a late adverse effect. It happens due to the breakdown of epidermal cells but heals once the radiation stops.

C. Nausea: Nausea is commonly an immediate or early side effect related to radiation therapy, especially when the brain or gastrointestinal tract is involved. It is often managed symptomatically and usually resolves after completion of therapy.

D. Short stature: Growth retardation or short stature is a recognized late adverse effect of radiation therapy in children, especially when the brain or growth centers are irradiated. Radiation can impair pituitary hormone production or directly affect bone growth plates, leading to permanent growth deficits that manifest months to years after treatment.

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