A nurse is assessing the lumbar puncture results of an older adult client who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?

Decreased WBC count

Increased glucose

Clear cerebrospinal fluid

Increased protein

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Rationale:
A. Decreased WBC count: Bacterial meningitis causes an inflammatory response, leading to an increased WBC count in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), not a decrease. Elevated WBCs indicate the body is fighting infection in the central nervous system.

B. Increased glucose: CSF glucose levels are typically decreased because bacteria consume glucose and impair its transport across the blood-brain barrier. The presence of leukocytes and pathogens in the CSF also contributes to glucose depletion. Elevated glucose is not characteristic of this condition.

C. Clear cerebrospinal fluid: CSF in bacterial meningitis is usually cloudy or turbid due to the accumulation of white blood cells, protein, and bacteria. The change in appearance reflects the severity of the infection and is one of the classic diagnostic signs. Clear CSF would be more consistent with normal or viral findings.

D. Increased protein: A hallmark of bacterial meningitis is elevated CSF protein levels due to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier and the presence of bacterial and inflammatory proteins. This is an expected finding.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Use a 3 mL syringe to flush the PICC following infusions: A syringe smaller than 10 mL creates excessive pressure, which can damage the catheter. A 10 mL syringe or larger should always be used to flush a PICC to maintain catheter integrity.

B. Assess the PICC infusion system systematically: Systematic assessment of the PICC line, including the site, tubing, and connections, is essential for detecting complications such as infiltration, infection, or occlusion. This promotes safe and effective use of the catheter.

C. Change the needleless connector device on the IV tubing after each infusion: The needleless connector device does not need to be changed after each infusion. It is typically changed every 7 days or if contamination, leakage, or other issues are noted.

D. Provide daily dressing changes to the PICC insertion site: PICC dressings should be changed every 7 days if using a transparent dressing, or sooner if the dressing becomes damp, loose, or visibly soiled. Daily dressing changes increase infection risk unnecessarily.

A. "I'm concerned because I'm so tired all the time." B. "I feel like I'm isolated from all my friends now." C. "I've had a fever the last couple of days." D. "I have a lot of questions about this disease."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:
A. "I'm concerned because I'm so tired all the time.": Fatigue is a common manifestation of SLE caused by chronic inflammation, anemia, or medication effects. While it impacts daily function, it is not an immediate threat compared to signs of infection, which can become life-threatening quickly in immunosuppressed clients.

B. "I feel like I'm isolated from all my friends now.": Emotional concerns like isolation are important in managing chronic illness, but they are not urgent physical issues. Addressing psychosocial health is necessary, but it does not take precedence over symptoms that may indicate infection or disease flare.

C. "I've had a fever the last couple of days.": Fever is a priority concern in clients with SLE as it may signal an active infection or disease flare. Immunosuppressive therapy increases the risk of severe infections, which can rapidly worsen if not treated promptly, making this the most urgent issue.

D. "I have a lot of questions about this disease.": Education is vital for long-term disease management and patient empowerment. However, it is not an immediate priority when signs of acute illness, such as fever, are present and require prompt clinical attention.

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A nurse is assessing the lumbar puncture results of an older adult client who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?

Nursing Test Bank

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