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?
Document intake and output.
Administer antibiotics when available
Reduce environmental stimuli
Maintain seizure precaution
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat certain heart conditions, including some congenital heart defects. It's important to monitor the heart rate and other signs of toxicity when administering digoxin, especially in pediatric patients. Let's break down the information given:
The pediatric maintenance dose of digoxin is 5 mcg/kg daily.
The child weighs 55 pounds (approximately 25 kg).
Given these values, the total daily dose for this child would be:
Total daily dose = 5 mcg/kg × 25 kg = 125 mcg
This total daily dose is usually given as a single dose. However, the child's heart rate is noted to be only 50 beats per minute (bpm). A heart rate of 50 bpm in a child could potentially indicate bradycardia (slow heart rate), which can be a sign of digoxin toxicity. Bradycardia is a known adverse effect of digoxin, and it's important to assess for other signs of toxicity as well, such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in color vision.
In this case, it would be prudent to withhold the digoxin and assess the child further for signs of toxicity or bradycardia. The dose should not be administered until the healthcare provider is consulted and appropriate action is determined.
So, the correct answer is indeed NO. Administering the digoxin without considering the slow heart rate and the potential for toxicity could be unsafe for the child.
Correct Answer is ["5.625"]
Explanation
To calculate the dose of amoxicillin for the toddler:
Step 1: Convert the toddler's weight from pounds to kilograms.
33 lb ÷ 2.2 (lb to kg conversion factor) = approximately 15 kg
Step 2: Calculate the total daily dose of amoxicillin.
Dose = 30 mg/kg/day × 15 kg = 450 mg/day
Step 3: Divide the total daily dose into equal doses every 12 hours.
450 mg/day ÷ 2 doses = 225 mg/dose
Step 4: Calculate the amount of amoxicillin suspension needed for each dose.
The available concentration is 200 mg/5 mL, so for 225 mg, you would use the proportion:
225 mg : 200 mg = x mL : 5 mL
Cross-multiplying: x = (225 mg × 5 mL) / 200 mg ≈ 5.625 mL
Therefore, the nurse should administer approximately 5.625 mL of amoxicillin suspension for each dose.
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