When managing a suspected case of meningitis, what is the appropriate action regarding antibiotics?
Administer antibiotics only if the client has a high fever on two separate occasions
Start antibiotics immediately, even before confirmation of diagnosis
Wait for confirmation of diagnosis before starting antibiotics
Avoid antibiotics altogether as they are not effective against bacterial meningitis
The Correct Answer is B
A. Administer antibiotics only if the client has a high fever on two separate occasions – Waiting for multiple fevers delays critical treatment and is not evidence-based.
B. Start antibiotics immediately, even before confirmation of diagnosis – In suspected bacterial meningitis, early administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is life-saving. Delaying treatment until confirmation can lead to rapid deterioration due to the severity and speed of disease progression.
C. Wait for confirmation of diagnosis before starting antibiotics – Delaying antibiotic treatment while waiting for lab confirmation (e.g., lumbar puncture) puts the patient at risk of worsening illness and complications.
D. Avoid antibiotics altogether as they are not effective against bacterial meningitis – Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for bacterial meningitis and significantly reduce mortality and morbidity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A thin and strong left ventricle is not typical of systolic heart failure.
B. A thick and weak ventricle is more characteristic of diastolic heart failure (impaired relaxation and filling).
C. Systolic heart failure involves impaired contraction of the left ventricle, which often becomes thin and weak due to ventricular dilation and loss of contractile strength.
D. A thick and strong ventricle is not typical of heart failure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Initiate isolation precautions — This is the first action the nurse should take. Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious (often spread via droplet transmission), and immediate isolation (droplet precautions) helps prevent spread to others.
B. Administer antibiotics after collecting cultures — This is a critical next step, but only after the client is placed in isolation to protect others.
C. Prepare for a lumbar puncture after ruling out increased ICP — While a lumbar puncture is important for diagnosis, increased ICP must be ruled out first, and this is not the immediate first action.
D. Start IV fluids — Supportive care is important, but it is not the priority over infection control measures.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.