A nurse is assessing an older adult patient for possible meningitis. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse be particularly concerned about in this age group?
Nuchal rigidity.
Rash.
Irritability.
Altered mental status.
Photophobia.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Nuchal rigidity (stiff neck) is a classic symptom of meningitis, but it is not particularly concerning in older adults as it is in younger individuals. Older adults may have a less pronounced neck stiffness due to age-related changes.
Choice B rationale:
Rash can be a symptom of certain types of meningitis, such as meningococcal meningitis, but it is not specific to older adults. Moreover, older adults may not exhibit a rash even in cases of meningococcal meningitis.
Choice C rationale:
Irritability is a vague symptom and may not be specific to meningitis in older adults. It can be caused by various factors and does not raise significant concern for meningitis.
Choice D rationale:
Altered mental status, such as confusion, delirium, or decreased level of consciousness, is particularly concerning in older adults with suspected meningitis. Older adults may not always present with classic symptoms like neck stiffness, and altered mental status may be the primary indicator of central nervous system involvement.
Choice E rationale:
Photophobia is a common symptom of meningitis, but it is not specific to older adults. It may be present in both younger and older patients with meningitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The recommended preventive measure for a client planning to travel to a high-risk area for meningitis is to take prophylactic antibiotics. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and it can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria. Travel to high-risk areas may increase the risk of exposure to meningitis-causing bacteria. Prophylactic antibiotics are given to individuals at high risk of contracting bacterial meningitis to prevent infection or reduce the severity if exposed. Commonly used antibiotics for prophylaxis include ciprofloxacin, rifampin, and others, depending on the specific high-risk area and its predominant pathogens.
Choice B rationale:
Getting vaccinated against mumps is not the recommended preventive measure for meningitis caused by other pathogens. Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, and while it can cause complications, it is not a common cause of meningitis. The appropriate preventive measure for mumps is vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Choice C rationale:
Practicing good hand hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of infections in general, but it is not specifically targeted at preventing meningitis. Meningitis is usually transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals. While hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of contracting various infections, it is not the primary preventive measure for meningitis.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding close contact with people with respiratory infections is a good practice to reduce the risk of various respiratory infections, including those that can cause meningitis. However, it is not the recommended specific preventive measure for a client planning to travel to a high-risk area for meningitis. Prophylactic antibiotics are the more appropriate choice in this situation to directly target potential meningitis-causing bacteria.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
All types of meningitis cannot be prevented by vaccination. While vaccinations are available for certain types of bacterial and viral meningitis, they do not cover all possible pathogens that can cause the disease.
Choice B rationale:
Meningitis can be prevented through prophylaxis measures, but this statement is not entirely accurate. Prophylaxis may be given to close contacts of individuals with certain types of bacterial meningitis to prevent its spread, but it does not apply to all cases of meningitis.
Choice C rationale:
Infection control measures are effective in preventing meningitis outbreaks. This statement is incorrect as infection control measures are crucial in controlling the spread of infections, but they cannot entirely prevent all cases of meningitis.
Choice D rationale:
Hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper respiratory etiquette, play a significant role in preventing meningitis transmission. By reducing the spread of respiratory and oral pathogens, the risk of meningitis can be lowered. However, it is important to note that not all forms of meningitis are entirely preventable through hygiene practices alone, which is why vaccination remains a critical preventive measure for specific types of meningitis.
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