When preparing to test a client for meningeal irritation, what would the nurse do first?
Check for a Babinski reflex
Position the client prone
Ensure no injury to the cervical spine
Check for evidence of fever and chills
The Correct Answer is C
A. The Babinski reflex is a test used to assess the integrity of the corticospinal tract and is particularly useful in evaluating neurological function in infants and adults with neurological conditions. However, it is not specifically related to testing for meningeal irritation.
B. Positioning the client prone (lying on their stomach) is not typically used when testing for meningeal irritation. The tests for meningeal irritation, such as the Brudzinski sign and Kernig sign, are performed with the client in a supine (lying on their back) position to accurately assess reactions to neck flexion and leg movements.
C. Before performing tests for meningeal irritation, such as neck flexion, it is important to ensure that the client does not have an injury to the cervical spine. If there is a possibility of cervical spine injury, performing neck flexion could exacerbate the injury. Ensuring that there is no cervical spine injury helps to avoid causing harm and ensures a safe examination.
D. While fever and chills can be associated with infections that may cause meningeal irritation (such as meningitis), checking for these symptoms is not the first step in assessing meningeal irritation itself.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Maintaining an appropriate body weight helps reduce the strain on the musculoskeletal system, including joints and muscles. Excess weight can increase the risk of injuries, especially to weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
B. Regular exercise helps to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and maintain healthy joints. It also promotes overall physical fitness, which can prevent injuries by improving body mechanics and resilience.
C. A safe home environment can help prevent falls and accidents that could lead to musculoskeletal injuries. This includes ensuring that walkways are clear, using non-slip mats, and having proper lighting.
D. Using proper body mechanics involves techniques such as bending the knees, keeping the back straight, and lifting with the legs rather than the back. This helps prevent strain and injuries when lifting heavy objects.
E. Dairy products are a source of calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. Reducing dairy intake could impact bone density if not compensated by other sources of calcium and vitamin D.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones and soft tissues. It typically causes localized pain and tenderness in the area of the bursa, often in the shoulders, elbows, or hips.
B. Meningitis is an infection or inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It often presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia. The neck stiffness, particularly difficulty flexing the head forward (nuchal rigidity), is a classic sign.
C. Spondylitis refers to inflammation of the spine. It can present with chronic back pain and stiffness but is typically associated with long-term symptoms rather than acute systemic symptoms like fever and chills. Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis can cause chronic back pain and stiffness but are less likely to present with acute fever and headache.
D. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. While arthritis can affect the neck (cervical spine arthritis), it typically does not present with systemic symptoms such as fever and chills unless there is an associated infection or inflammatory process.
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