A nurse is caring for a child who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the child can be removed from droplet precautions?
Absent nuchal rigidity
Negative cerebrospinal fluid culture
Antibiotics initiated 24 hr ago
Temperature below 37.4° C (99.3° F)
The Correct Answer is B
A. Absent nuchal rigidity is a positive sign in the context of managing bacterial
meningitis, but it alone does not determine when droplet precautions can be discontinued.
B. This is the correct answer. A negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture indicates that the bacterial infection has been effectively treated. Once the CSF culture is negative, the child is no longer considered contagious and can be removed from droplet precautions.
C. The initiation of antibiotics is an important step in treating bacterial meningitis, but the passage of time alone does not indicate when precautions can be discontinued. The
effectiveness of treatment is better determined by laboratory and clinical indicators.
D. The temperature is an important clinical parameter, but a temperature below 37.4° C (99.3° F) alone does not determine when droplet precautions can be discontinued. The decision is based on the resolution of the infectious process, as indicated by negative cultures.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Gonorrhea is a nationally notifiable sexually transmitted infection (STI). This means that healthcare providers are required to report cases of gonorrhea to public health authorities to track and monitor the spread of the disease.
B. Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are common STIs but are not nationally notifiable.
C. Genital herpes simplex virus is a common STI but is not nationally notifiable.
D. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common STI, but it is not nationally notifiable.
However, HPV vaccines are recommended to prevent certain strains of the virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is the correct instruction. Varicella (chickenpox) is highly contagious. The child should be kept away from others until all lesions are crusted over and no new lesions have formed for at least 24 hours. This typically indicates that the child is no longer contagious.
B. Applying calamine lotion can help alleviate itching and discomfort associated with the vesicles. This is a supportive measure but does not address the contagious nature of the disease.
C. Dressing the child in warm clothing is not specific to the management of varicella. It is important to keep the child comfortable, but this instruction does not address the
contagious period.
D. It is generally safe to give the child a bath during varicella. Warm baths with mild soap can help soothe itching. However, the child should be dried gently to avoid breaking open any vesicles.
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