Upon completion of a 14-day antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis in an infant, the nurse prepares the family for discharge.
Which information should the nurse include?
Have the antibiotic trough level drawn within 3 days.
Continue strict monitoring of daily wet diapers for 1 week.
Administer antipyretic medication on a continuous basis.
Monitor the infant for response to auditory stimuli.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
In bacterial meningitis, monitoring antibiotic levels is critical during treatment to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and avoid toxicity. However, it is not necessary to check antibiotic levels after completing the course. The body clears the antibiotics within a few days, and monitoring is more relevant during therapy.
Choice B rationale
While monitoring wet diapers is important during illness, it's not necessary to continue strict monitoring post-treatment. Wet diapers track hydration and renal function, which should normalize after successful treatment.
Choice C rationale
Continuous use of antipyretics is unnecessary post-treatment. Fever management is more critical during active infection. Post-treatment, fevers should subside, making continuous medication redundant and possibly harmful.
Choice D rationale
Auditory monitoring is crucial after meningitis due to the risk of hearing loss, a common complication. Early detection of auditory issues allows for timely intervention and support for the child’s development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Covering the lesion with a dressing is not an appropriate action as it will not prevent the transmission of herpes to the newborn. Herpes simplex virus can be transmitted to the neonate during delivery, and covering the lesion does not eliminate the risk.
Choice B rationale
Blood cultures are not indicated for managing active herpes lesions in a client with spontaneous rupture of membranes. This action does not address the immediate risk of transmission of the virus to the newborn.
Choice C rationale
Preparing for a cesarean section is the appropriate action because it reduces the risk of neonatal herpes transmission. Neonatal herpes can lead to severe complications, and a cesarean section is recommended to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus during vaginal delivery.
Choice D rationale
Administering penicillin is not appropriate for treating herpes lesions. Penicillin is an antibiotic effective against bacterial infections, but herpes is caused by a virus. Antiviral medications are required to manage herpes infections.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Collecting a urine sample to screen for protein is essential as proteinuria is a key indicator of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage during pregnancy. Early detection is vital to manage the condition and prevent complications.
Choice B rationale
Asking about a history of delivering large babies (macrosomia) is not immediately relevant to the current symptoms of headache and elevated blood pressure, which are more indicative of hypertensive disorders rather than previous birth weights.
Choice C rationale
Examining the client for pedal edema is important but not the immediate priority. While edema can be associated with preeclampsia, the presence of proteinuria and elevated blood pressure are more critical indicators that need to be addressed first.
Choice D rationale
Establishing the frequency of headaches is useful information but not the immediate priority. The combination of an excruciating headache and elevated blood pressure necessitates a more urgent assessment for preeclampsia, starting with a urine sample for protein.
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