A nurse is caring for an adolescent who was brought to the emergency department (ED) with a high fever, headache, and neck stiffness. The nurse reviews the adolescent's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis results and notes the following:
- WBC count 300 cells/microliter (normal range: 0 to 10 cells/microliter)
- Protein 45 mg/dL (normal range: 15 to 45 mg/dL)
- Glucose 40 mg/dL (normal range: 50 to 75 mg/dL)
- Color Turbid (normal: clear and colorless)
The nurse should suspect that the adolescent has which of the following conditions?
Bacterial meningitis.
Viral meningitis.
Encephalitis.
Brain abscess.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Bacterial meningitis is a probable condition, as it is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, caused by various bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, or Haemophilus influenzae. The adolescent has many signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis, such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness.
Choice B reason: Viral meningitis is not a likely condition, as it is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, caused by various viruses, such as enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, or mumps virus. The adolescent has some signs and symptoms of viral meningitis, such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness, but they are usually less severe than bacterial meningitis.
Choice C reason: Encephalitis is not a probable condition, as it is an inflammation of the brain tissue, usually caused by viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus, West Nile virus, or rabies virus. The adolescent has some signs and symptoms of encephalitis, such as fever, headache, and altered mental status, but they are usually accompanied by focal neurological deficits, such as seizures, paralysis, or cranial nerve palsies.
Choice D reason: Brain abscess is not a definite condition, as it is a collection of pus within the brain tissue, usually caused by bacterial infections that spread from other parts of the body, such as the ear, sinus, or lung. The adolescent has some signs and symptoms of brain abscess, such as fever, headache, and altered mental status, but they are usually accompanied by focal neurological deficits, such as seizures, paralysis, or cranial nerve palsies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Your baby will receive a hepatitis B vaccine prior to discharge is correct, as this is the recommended schedule for the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns, regardless of maternal hepatitis B status.
Choice B reason: Your baby will have the first diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis vaccine at the 2 week well-baby visit is incorrect, as this is too early for the first dose of the DTaP vaccine. The first dose of the DTaP vaccine should be given at 2 months of age.
Choice C reason: Your baby should receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on his first birthday is incorrect, as this is too late for the first dose of the PCV13 vaccine. The first dose of the PCV13 vaccine should be given at 2 months of age, followed by three more doses at 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age.
Choice D reason: Your baby should receive the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine at 6 months is incorrect, as this is too early for the first dose of the MMR vaccine. The first dose of the MMR vaccine should be given at 12-15 months of age, followed by a second dose at 4-6 years of age.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The child has acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is receiving chemotherapy and steroids, which can cause constipation. The nurse should monitor the child's bowel function and provide interventions such as fluids, fiber, and laxatives as prescribed, but this is not an urgent finding.
Choice B reason: The child is in the induction phase of treatment for ALL, which can be stressful and frightening for the child and the family. The child's crying and clinging behavior indicates anxiety and fear, which are normal reactions. The nurse should provide emotional support and education to the child and the guardian, but this is not an urgent finding.
Choice C reason: The child has a fever, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy and steroids. The nurse should assess the child for other signs of infection, administer antipyretics as prescribed, and monitor the child's vital signs, but this is not an urgent finding.
Choice D reason: The child has a double-lumen central line catheter in the left chest wall, which is a potential source of infection. The erythema and purulent drainage at the insertion site indicate that the child has a local infection, which can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis. This is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate attention and treatment. The nurse should report this finding to the provider, obtain blood cultures, and administer antibiotics as prescribed.
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