A client is admitted with bacterial meningitis. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority for this client?
Strict monitoring of hourly intake and output
Managing pain through drug and non-drug methods
Assessing neurological status at least every 2 to 4 hours
Decreasing environmental stimuli
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Strict monitoring of hourly intake and output is important for managing fluid balance and detecting potential complications such as dehydration or fluid overload1. However, it is not the highest priority in the acute phase of bacterial meningitis. The primary concern is to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and neurological deterioration.
Choice B reason:
Managing pain through drug and non-drug methods is essential for patient comfort and overall well-being. Pain management can help reduce stress and improve the patient’s ability to rest and recover. However, it is not the highest priority compared to monitoring neurological status, which can provide early indications of complications such as increased ICP or seizures.
Choice C reason:
Assessing neurological status at least every 2 to 4 hours is the highest priority for a client with bacterial meningitis. This frequent assessment helps detect early signs of neurological deterioration, increased ICP, and other complications. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing severe outcomes and improving the patient’s prognosis.
Choice D reason:
Decreasing environmental stimuli is important to reduce stress and prevent exacerbation of symptoms such as headache and photophobia. While this intervention is beneficial, it is not as critical as frequent neurological assessments in the acute management of bacterial meningitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A: Instruct the patient to withhold any medication for diuretic therapy.
Reason: Diuretics can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can complicate the cardiac catheterization procedure. Withholding diuretics helps to maintain fluid balance and reduce the risk of complications during the procedure
Choice B: Prepare to administer fluids 2 hours before the procedure for patients with renal dysfunction.
Reason: Administering fluids before the procedure helps to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy, especially in patients with renal dysfunction. Hydration helps to flush out the contrast material used during the procedure, reducing the risk of kidney damage.
Choice C: Advise the patient to take all anticoagulants.
Reason: This choice is incorrect. Patients are usually advised to withhold anticoagulants before a cardiac catheterization to reduce the risk of bleeding complications. The decision to continue or withhold anticoagulants should be based on a careful assessment of the patient’s risk of thromboembolism versus the risk of bleeding.
Choice D: Administer steroids if the patient has an allergy to iodine-based contrast.
Reason: Administering steroids is a common premedication strategy for patients with a known allergy to iodine-based contrast media. Steroids help to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction during the procedure.
Choice E: Ensure that the patient is NPO for a minimum of 2 hours before the procedure.
Reason: Ensuring that the patient is NPO (nothing by mouth) helps to reduce the risk of aspiration during the procedure. Typically, patients are advised to be NPO for 6-8 hours before the procedure, but a minimum of 2 hours is essential.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Weight gain is not typically associated with tuberculosis (TB). In fact, weight loss is a common symptom of TB due to the chronic nature of the infection and the body’s increased metabolic demands to fight the disease. Patients with TB often experience a loss of appetite and significant weight loss as the disease progresses.
Choice B Reason:
Low-grade fever is a common symptom of TB. The body’s immune response to the infection often results in a persistent low-grade fever, which can be one of the early signs of the disease. This fever is usually accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as night sweats and fatigue.
Choice C Reason:
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in patients with TB, especially if the infection has caused significant lung damage or if there is a large amount of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion). Dyspnea is a concerning symptom that indicates the need for further evaluation and treatment.
Choice D Reason:
Contusion, or bruising, is not a symptom associated with TB. TB primarily affects the lungs and can cause systemic symptoms, but it does not typically cause bruising. Contusions are more commonly associated with trauma or conditions that affect blood clotting.
Choice E Reason:
Lethargy, or a general sense of fatigue and weakness, is a common symptom of TB. The chronic nature of the infection and the body’s ongoing immune response can lead to significant fatigue. Patients with TB often feel tired and may have difficulty performing daily activities.
Choice F Reason:
Night sweats are a hallmark symptom of TB. Patients often experience drenching night sweats that can be quite severe. This symptom, along with fever and weight loss, is part of the classic triad of TB symptoms and is an important indicator for healthcare providers to consider TB in the differential diagnosis.
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