A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a parent about appropriate snacks for a toddler. Which of the following foods should the nurse include?

b. Seizure pads

Explanation:

The nurse should place seizure pads in the client's room when admitting a client with bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is an infection that affects the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can cause inflammation and swelling of the brain, leading to an increased risk of seizures.

Seizure pads are specifically designed to provide a cushioning and protective barrier between the client's head and the hard surface, reducing the risk of injury during a seizure. They are placed on the bed or matress to help prevent head trauma or other injuries that may occur if a seizure occurs.

Now, let's discuss why the other options are not necessary for the client with bacterial meningitis:

a. Oral irrigating device:

An oral irrigating device is not necessary for a client with bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis primarily affects the central nervous system and does not require oral care interventions. The focus of care for these clients is on managing the infection, monitoring vital signs, and providing supportive care.

c. Sterile gloves:

While sterile gloves are commonly used in healthcare settings, they are not specifically required for the care of a client with bacterial meningitis. Standard precautions, including the use of non-sterile gloves, are sufficient for providing care to these clients. Sterile gloves are typically used for invasive procedures or when there is a need to maintain a sterile field.

d. Tongue blade:

A tongue blade is not necessary for the care of a client with bacterial meningitis. Tongue blades are typically used for oral assessments or when examining the throat, which are not directly related to the management or treatment of bacterial meningitis. The focus of care for these clients is on infection control, monitoring for complications, and providing comfort and support.

In summary, when admitting a client with bacterial meningitis, the nurse should prioritize placing seizure pads in the client's room to ensure their safety during potential seizure activity.

Answer: D

Rationale:

A) Collect 2 mL of sputum in an emesis basin: Collecting sputum in an emesis basin is inappropriate for laboratory testing. The sputum should be collected directly into a sterile container to prevent contamination. This ensures that the culture and sensitivity results are accurate and reflect the client's true respiratory pathogens.

B) Instruct the client to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash prior to specimen collection: Using an antiseptic mouthwash before collecting a sputum sample is not recommended because it may alter the flora present in the sputum, leading to inaccurate culture results. Instead, the client should rinse their mouth with plain water to clear excess saliva or food debris.

C) Swab the oropharynx with a sterile swab: Swabbing the oropharynx does not obtain sputum from the lungs but instead gathers a sample from the throat, which may not be reflective of lower respiratory infections. A proper sputum sample is produced through a deep cough to collect material directly from the lungs.

D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory: Refrigerating the sputum specimen helps to preserve its integrity by preventing the overgrowth of bacteria or other pathogens until it can be transported to the laboratory. Proper refrigeration ensures that the culture and sensitivity results remain accurate.