A nurse is collecting data from a 4-month-old infant who has meningitis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Constipation
Depressed anterior fontanel
Presence of the rooting reflex
High-pitched cry
The Correct Answer is D
D. A high-pitched cry, often described as a "crying in pain" or "irritable cry," can be a characteristic sign of meningitis in infants. The cry may sound different from the infant's usual cry and may be associated with irritability, discomfort, or pain. It can be indicative of increased intracranial pressure and neurological irritation caused by the inflammation of the meninges.
A. Constipation is not typically associated with meningitis in infants. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can cause symptoms such as fever, irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, and lethargy.
B. A depressed anterior fontanel (sunken soft spot on the baby's head) is not a typical manifestation of meningitis. Meningitis may cause signs of increased intracranial pressure, such as a bulging fontanel, rather than a depressed fontanel.
C. he presence of the rooting reflex is not specific to meningitis. The rooting reflex is a normal reflex present in infants, where they turn their head toward a stimulus (such as stroking the cheek or corner of the mouth) in search of nourishment (typically the breast or bottle).
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis that predominantly affects medium-sized arteries, including the coronary arteries of the heart. The inflammation of the blood vessels can lead to coronary artery aneurysms and other cardiovascular complications if not promptly treated.
B. The respiratory system is not primarily affected by Kawasaki disease. While Kawasaki disease is a systemic illness that can cause fever and inflammation, it primarily affects the cardiovascular system, with inflammation of blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries.
C. The integumentary system (skin, hair, nails) is not primarily affected by Kawasaki disease. Although some children with Kawasaki disease may develop a rash, particularly in the acute phase of the illness, skin involvement is not the primary feature of the disease.
D. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, can occur in Kawasaki disease but they are not the primary focus of the disease. Kawasaki disease primarily affects the cardiovascular system, leading to inflammation of blood vessels and potential complications such as coronary artery aneurysms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This is characteristic of Kernig's sign. Kernig's sign is elicited when the thigh is flexed at the hip and then attempts to extend the leg at the knee are met with resistance or pain due to inflammation of the meninges.
A. Petechial and purpuric rashes are associated with meningococcal meningitis, not specifically with Kernig's sign. These rashes result from bleeding into the skin and are a characteristic feature of meningococcal sepsis. However, they are not directly related to Kernig's sign.
B. This observation describes Brudzinski's sign, not Kernig's sign. Brudzinski's sign occurs when passive flexion of the neck causes involuntary flexion of the hips and knees due to meningeal irritation.
D. Muscle and joint pain can be symptoms of meningitis, but they are not specific to Kernig's sign. Kernig's sign specifically refers to resistance or pain experienced when attempting to extend the leg at the knee.
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