A nurse is preparing a child who has suspected bacterial meningitis for a lumbar puncture. Which of the following cerebrospinal fluid findings supports the diagnosis?

Decreased WBCs.

Elevated glucose.

Elevated total protein.

Decreased pressure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:
Decreased white blood cells (WBCs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would not support the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, the presence of bacteria triggers an inflammatory response, leading to an increase in WBCs in the CSF (pleocytosis).
Choice B rationale:
Elevated glucose levels in CSF would actually be more consistent with viral rather than bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, glucose levels are typically decreased due to the high metabolic demands of bacteria on the glucose present in the CSF.
Choice C rationale:
Elevated total protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is indicative of inflammation and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Bacterial meningitis causes an intense inflammatory response, leading to an increase in total protein in the CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased pressure in the CSF would not be a characteristic finding in bacterial meningitis. In fact, bacterial meningitis often leads to an increase in CSF pressure due to the inflammation and accumulation of inflammatory cells and proteins.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
A 2 cm scalp laceration, while a concern, is not the nurse's priority in this scenario. The child's head injury could potentially be serious, but priority should be given to neurological assessments and signs of increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale:
Nasal discharge negative for glucose is not indicative of a major issue in this context. While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking from the nose after head trauma is a concern, it is not mentioned in this scenario, and this choice does not take precedence over other neurological signs.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. Asymmetric pupils can be a sign of a serious neurological issue, such as a brain injury or increased intracranial pressure. It requires immediate attention and further evaluation to assess the child's neurological status and determine the extent of the injury.
Choice D rationale:
A negative Babinski reflex is a normal finding in this context and does not require immediate priority attention. The Babinski reflex is typically present in infants and disappears as the child grows older. Its absence is expected in older children and adults.

A. Positive leukocyte esterase. B. Deep gold-colored urine. C. Osmolality 700 mOsm/L. D. Specific gravity 1.015.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
A positive leukocyte esterase test indicates the presence of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the urine, which can be an indicator of a urinary tract infection (UTI). White blood cells are part of the body's immune response and their presence in the urine suggests inflammation and infection in the urinary tract.
Choice B rationale:
Deep gold-colored urine is not typically associated with a urinary tract infection. Normally, urine color can vary based on hydration, diet, and other factors, but color alone is not a reliable indicator of a UTI.
Choice C rationale:
The osmolality of 700 mOsm/L is not a specific finding related to urinary tract infections. Osmolality measures the concentration of particles in the urine and can vary based on hydration status. While it might be elevated in a concentrated urine sample, it is not a direct indicator of a UTI.
Choice D rationale:
A specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate a urinary tract infection. Specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in the urine and can be influenced by hydration levels and kidney function. A UTI would primarily be indicated by the presence of white blood cells and other signs of infection in the urine.

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A nurse is preparing a child who has suspected bacterial meningitis for a lumbar puncture. Which of the following cerebrospinal fluid findings supports the diagnosis?

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