A nurse is contributing to the care plan of an infant who has pneumonia.
Which of the following toys should the nurse select for the child's play activity?

Choice A rationale

Massaging the injection site after administering a vaccine is generally not recommended as it may cause irritation or introduce bacteria to the site, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, massaging the area does not improve the absorption or efficacy of the vaccine. Vaccines are designed to be absorbed effectively by the body without the need for additional manipulation. Healthcare professionals are trained to administer vaccines using techniques that minimize discomfort and ensure proper delivery of the vaccine into the muscle tissue.

Choice B rationale

Aspiration, or pulling back on the syringe plunger after inserting the needle but before injecting the vaccine, is not recommended when administering vaccines. Studies have shown that aspiration is unnecessary and may increase the risk of injury, pain, and prolonged injection time. The practice of aspiration is based on the outdated concern of inadvertently injecting the vaccine into a blood vessel. However, research indicates that the risk of this occurring is extremely low when proper injection techniques are used. The focus should be on delivering the vaccine quickly and efficiently to minimize discomfort.

Choice C rationale

Ensuring that the guardian has signed a consent form for immunization is an essential step in the vaccination process. Obtaining informed consent means that the guardian is aware of the potential benefits and risks associated with the vaccine and agrees to proceed with the vaccination. This practice is crucial for maintaining trust between healthcare providers and patients, respecting the rights of individuals to make informed healthcare decisions, and adhering to legal and ethical standards in medical practice. Proper documentation of consent is also important for record-keeping and future reference.

Choice A rationale

Decreased pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not indicative of bacterial meningitis. In fact, increased CSF pressure is more commonly associated with meningitis due to inflammation and increased production of CSF. Monitoring CSF pressure helps diagnose and manage meningitis but decreased pressure would not support a bacterial meningitis diagnosis.

Choice B rationale

Decreased white blood cell (WBC) count in the CSF is not consistent with bacterial meningitis. Meningitis, especially bacterial, typically causes an increased WBC count in the CSF as the body responds to the infection. This increase in WBCs, particularly neutrophils, indicates the immune system's effort to combat the bacterial invasion. A decreased count would not align with this diagnosis.

Choice C rationale

Elevated glucose levels in the cerebrospinal fluid are not typical for bacterial meningitis. Bacterial infections usually consume glucose, leading to decreased glucose levels in the CSF. Elevated glucose levels could indicate other conditions or metabolic issues but would not support a bacterial meningitis diagnosis.

Choice D rationale

Elevated total protein in the cerebrospinal fluid supports the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, the inflammation and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier lead to elevated protein levels in the CSF. This finding, along with increased WBC count and decreased glucose levels, helps confirm the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis and guides appropriate treatment. .