A nurse is planning care for a client who is experiencing seizures secondary to meningitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select all that apply.)
Place a tongue blade at the bedside.
Dim the overhead lights.
Assist the client to ambulate every 4 hr.
Apply a warming blanket.
Have suction equipment at the bedside.
Correct Answer : B,E
A. Place a tongue blade at the bedside: Keeping a tongue blade at the bedside is not recommended because attempting to insert an object into the mouth during a seizure can cause injury to the teeth, gums, or airway. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining a safe environment and protecting the client from harm.
B. Dim the overhead lights: Meningitis can cause photophobia, or sensitivity to light, which can worsen discomfort and potentially trigger seizures. Dimming the lights helps reduce sensory stimulation and promotes comfort, decreasing the risk of further neurological agitation.
C. Assist the client to ambulate every 4 hr: Clients experiencing seizures should have activity restrictions to prevent falls and injuries. Ambulation should be supervised and only encouraged once the client is stable. Frequent rest is preferred to minimize exhaustion, which can contribute to seizure activity.
D. Apply a warming blanket: Meningitis can cause fever, but applying a warming blanket is not appropriate unless the client is experiencing hypothermia. Fever management typically involves antipyretics and cooling measures, such as tepid sponge baths or light clothing, rather than warming interventions.
E. Have suction equipment at the bedside: During a seizure, excessive secretions or impaired airway protection can lead to aspiration. Having suction equipment readily available allows for quick clearance of the airway once the seizure subsides, reducing the risk of respiratory complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
- Pain level: Chest pain rated at 7/10 with radiation to the left arm, along with diaphoresis and nausea, indicates a potential acute coronary syndrome, likely a myocardial infarction. Immediate intervention is necessary to relieve pain and address the underlying cause, as this could prevent further complications and potential cardiac damage.
- Electrocardiogram findings: ST-segment elevation and T wave changes suggest an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), which requires urgent medical attention. Prompt identification and activation of treatment protocols, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic therapy, are critical to restore blood flow and minimize myocardial damage.
- Troponin T level: An elevated troponin T level (0.40 ng/mL, with a normal range <0.1 ng/mL) indicates myocardial injury, supporting the diagnosis of an acute myocardial infarction. Immediate management is essential to mitigate further cardiac injury and ensure appropriate treatment is initiated based on the severity of the elevation.
- Blood pressure: While the blood pressure reading of 164/80 mm Hg indicates hypertension, it is not critically high and does not require immediate intervention like the other findings. However, elevated blood pressure in the context of a myocardial infarction can increase myocardial oxygen demand, leading to further complications, thus it should be monitored closely.
- Blood glucose level: The blood glucose level of 103 mg/dL is within normal limits (74-106 mg/dL) and does not indicate an immediate concern. Although monitoring blood glucose is essential in clients with diabetes, it is not a priority in the context of acute coronary syndrome.
- Bowel sounds: The presence of bowel sounds indicates gastrointestinal function and does not require immediate follow-up in this context. While it’s important to assess overall health, bowel sounds are not a priority when addressing acute cardiac symptoms.
- Lung sounds: Clear lung sounds indicate that there is no pulmonary congestion or other respiratory complications at this time. While lung assessment is essential for overall patient evaluation, clear lung sounds do not require immediate follow-up in this acute setting.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Place an aspirin in your ostomy pouch to control odor.": Aspirin should never be placed in an ostomy pouch, as it can damage the pouch material and irritate the stoma. Deodorizers or dietary adjustments are safer alternatives for odor control.
B. "Your ostomy should start functioning in five days.": An ostomy typically begins functioning within 2 to 4 days postoperatively, depending on bowel motility. Waiting five days without output could indicate an obstruction or ileus, requiring medical evaluation.
C. "Empty your ostomy pouch when it becomes a third to halfway full.": Keeping the pouch from becoming too full prevents leaks, discomfort, and excessive pressure on the stoma. This practice helps maintain skin integrity and ostomy function.
D. "Notify your provider if your stoma becomes dark red.": A dark red stoma is normal and indicates good blood supply. However, a stoma that turns pale, dusky, or black requires immediate medical attention, as it suggests compromised circulation and possible necrosis.
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