The mother of a 1-month-old infant tells the nurse she worries that her baby will get meningitis like the child's older brother had when he was an infant. The nurse should base her response on which of the following?

A) Document intake and output:

Documenting intake and output is an important nursing task, but it is not the top priority in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis. Timely administration of antibiotics to treat the infection takes precedence over documentation of intake and output.

B) Administer antibiotics when available.

Explanation:

Bacterial meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Rapid administration of antibiotics is crucial to effectively treat the infection and prevent its spread. Delay in antibiotic administration can lead to worsening symptoms and complications. Therefore, getting the appropriate antibiotics to the child as soon as they are available is the nurse's priority.

C) Reduce environmental stimuli:

Reducing environmental stimuli can be helpful in managing symptoms and providing comfort to the child with meningitis, but it is not the priority action. The immediate concern in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis is to treat the infection.

D) Maintain seizure precaution:

While maintaining seizure precautions is important, especially if the child has a history of seizures, it is not the top priority in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis. Administering antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent its progression is the primary concern.

A) Seizure Precautions:

While seizure precautions are important in certain clinical situations, they are not directly related to the excess fluid and generalized edema associated with nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is primarily characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and fluid retention, which can lead to edema. Seizure precautions would not directly address the fluid imbalance in this context.

B) Ambulation:

Ambulation involves walking or movement and is not a priority intervention for addressing excess fluid and generalized edema. The primary concern in nephrotic syndrome with fluid accumulation is to manage the fluid balance and prevent further complications related to edema, such as respiratory distress or compromised circulation.

C) Daily weight:

This is the correct priority intervention. Daily weight monitoring is crucial in managing fluid balance and assessing the effectiveness of treatment in a child with nephrotic syndrome and fluid accumulation. Sudden weight gain can indicate worsening edema, while weight loss might indicate a response to treatment. Daily weight monitoring provides essential information to adjust fluid and medication management accordingly.

D) Keep bed position flat:

While maintaining a flat bed position may help improve venous return and fluid distribution, it is not the priority intervention for managing excess fluid and generalized edema in a child with nephrotic syndrome. Monitoring daily weight and adjusting treatment based on weight changes are more directly related to addressing the fluid imbalance.