A nurse is caring for a client suspected of having meningitis. What is the most important laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis?
Blood culture.
Throat swab.
Lumbar puncture.
Computed tomography scan.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
A blood culture is a test used to detect bacteria or other microorganisms in the bloodstream. While it can be helpful in diagnosing bacterial infections, it is not the most important test for confirming meningitis. The presence of bacteria in the blood does not necessarily confirm meningitis, as the infection may not have spread to the bloodstream yet.
Choice B rationale:
A throat swab is used to collect samples from the throat to identify infections such as strep throat. While throat infections can sometimes lead to complications like meningitis, a throat swab is not the most important test for confirming the diagnosis of meningitis. The infection may not be present in the throat, and direct examination of cerebrospinal fluid is necessary to confirm meningitis.
Choice C rationale:
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is the most important laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis of meningitis. It involves collecting a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the space around the spinal cord and brain. Analysis of the CSF can reveal the presence of bacteria or other pathogens, increased white blood cells, and other indicators of meningitis.
Choice D rationale:
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. While it can help identify structural abnormalities in the brain, such as bleeding or tumors, it is not the primary test for confirming meningitis. CT scans may show signs of inflammation, but they cannot definitively diagnose meningitis or distinguish between bacterial, viral, or fungal causes.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pneumococcal meningitis can affect individuals of all ages, although children under five years old and adults over 65 years old are at a higher risk. It is not exclusive to young children under five.
Choice B rationale:
Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, not Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Choice C rationale:
Pneumococcal meningitis is not only prevalent in tropical regions; it can occur worldwide.
Choice D rationale:
With appropriate and timely treatment, the mortality rate of pneumococcal meningitis can be relatively low. However, it is still a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, and prompt medical attention is crucial to avoid complications.
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.
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