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A nurse is caring for a child who has a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

A.

Document intake and output.

B.

Administer antibiotics when available

C.

Reduce environmental stimuli

D.

Maintain seizure precaution

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Document intake and output:

Documenting intake and output is an important nursing task, but it is not the top priority in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis. Timely administration of antibiotics to treat the infection takes precedence over documentation of intake and output.

B) Administer antibiotics when available. 

Explanation: 

Bacterial meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Rapid administration of antibiotics is crucial to effectively treat the infection and prevent its spread. Delay in antibiotic administration can lead to worsening symptoms and complications. Therefore, getting the appropriate antibiotics to the child as soon as they are available is the nurse's priority. 

C) Reduce environmental stimuli:

Reducing environmental stimuli can be helpful in managing symptoms and providing comfort to the child with meningitis, but it is not the priority action. The immediate concern in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis is to treat the infection.

D) Maintain seizure precaution:

While maintaining seizure precautions is important, especially if the child has a history of seizures, it is not the top priority in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis. Administering antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent its progression is the primary concern.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Fluid Requirement (mL/24 hours) = Weight (kg) × Fluid Requirement (mL/kg)

Given that the child weighs 70.4 pounds, we first need to convert this weight to kilograms (1 lb = 0.453592 kg):

Weight in kg = 70.4 lb × 0.453592 kg/lb ≈ 31.89 kg

Now, let's calculate the fluid requirement using the given choices:

A) 1740:

Fluid Requirement = 31.89 kg × 55 mL/kg = 1753.95 mL

B) 134056:

This number is significantly larger than any reasonable fluid requirement and is likely an error.

C) 2:

This value is far too low to represent the fluid requirements of a child.

D) 12:

This value is also too low to represent the fluid requirements of a child.

So, the correct answer is A) 1740 mL. The child's estimated daily fluid requirement would be around 1740 mL in a 24-hour period, based on a weight of 70.4 pounds.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Dizziness is always a sign of a concussion.

This statement is incorrect. While dizziness can be a symptom of a concussion, it is not always indicative of a concussion. There can be various causes of dizziness, and it is essential to consider other symptoms as well when assessing for a concussion.

B. Bike Helmet Safety

Explanation:

The correct answer to include as part of concussion/head injury prevention teaching to children and parents is "Bike helmet safety." This is because wearing a helmet while riding a bike or participating in other activities that involve head injury risks is crucial to prevent head injuries and concussions. Helmets provide protection to the head by absorbing impact energy and reducing the risk of skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries.

C. Normal fluid intake.

While staying hydrated is important for overall health, it is not directly related to concussion or head injury prevention teaching. This choice is unrelated to the topic.

D. Signs of autism.

Signs of autism are unrelated to concussion or head injury prevention teaching. This choice is not relevant to the topic at hand.

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