A nurse is caring for an adolescent who was brought to the emergency department (ED) with a fever, headache, and neck stiffness. The nurse should determine the assessment findings are consistent with which of the following disease processes?
Bacterial meningitis
Encephalitis
Gastroenteritis
Migraine
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and altered mental status. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis may show increased white blood cells, protein, and glucose. The nurse should assess the neck range of motion and the reaction to pupil assessment, as these may indicate increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B reason: Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue, usually caused by a viral infection. It can cause fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. The CSF analysis may show increased white blood cells and protein, but normal glucose. The nurse should assess the level of consciousness and the neurological status, as these may indicate brain damage.
Choice C reason: Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. The nurse should assess the gastrointestinal manifestations and the vital signs, as these may indicate fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice D reason: Migraine is a type of headache that involves recurrent episodes of moderate to severe pain, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The nurse should assess the location and duration of pain, the triggers and relievers, and the history of migraine. The CSF analysis is usually normal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This test measures the level of antibodies that the body produces against the streptolysin O enzyme, which is produced by some strains of streptococcal bacteria. A high level of ASO titer indicates that the child had a recent streptococcal infection, which may trigger rheumatic fever in some cases.
Choice B reason: This test does not directly indicate if the child has rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal infection, which causes inflammation of the heart, joints, skin, and brain. The diagnosis of rheumatic fever is based on clinical criteria, such as the presence of carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, or subcutaneous nodules.
Choice C reason: This test does not confirm if the child has immunity to streptococcal bacteria. Immunity is the ability of the body to resist or fight off an infection. A high level of ASO titer does not mean that the child is immune to streptococcal bacteria, but rather that the child was exposed to them recently.
Choice D reason: This test does not indicate if the child has a therapeutic blood level of an aminoglycoside. Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that are used to treat serious bacterial infections, such as endocarditis or septicemia. The blood level of an aminoglycoside is measured by a different test, called a peak and trough level, which determines the effectiveness and safety of the drug.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Holding the infant's chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This position may cause spinal cord compression or respiratory distress in the infant. The nurse should position the infant on his side with his back arched and his head and knees flexed.
Choice B reason: Placing the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This position may increase the intracranial pressure and cause headaches or vomiting in the infant. The nurse should keep the infant flat or slightly elevated for 4 to 6 hr after the procedure.
Choice C reason: Keeping the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This may cause dehydration or hypoglycemia in the infant. The nurse should follow the provider's orders for fasting, which are usually 2 to 4 hr for clear liquids and 4 to 6 hr for solids.
Choice D reason: Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure is a correct action for the nurse to take. This is a topical anesthetic that can reduce the pain and discomfort of the needle insertion. The nurse should apply the cream to the lower back and cover it with an occlusive dressing.
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