Which diagnostic test is the most definitive test used to detect meningitis?

CBC

Urinalysis

CT scan

Lumbar puncture

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. CBC: A CBC can indicate infection (elevated white blood cell count), but it is not specific for meningitis.

B. Urinalysis: Urinalysis is not relevant for diagnosing meningitis.

C. CT scan: A CT scan can detect complications like increased intracranial pressure but does not diagnose meningitis directly.

D. Lumbar puncture: A lumbar puncture allows direct analysis of CSF for glucose, protein, white blood cells, and organisms, which is definitive for diagnosing meningitis.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Clear CSF: Clear CSF is typically seen in viral meningitis or normal findings, not bacterial meningitis.

B. Cloudy CSF: Cloudy CSF indicates the presence of infection and is characteristic of bacterial meningitis.

C. Negative gram stain: A negative gram stain indicates the absence of bacterial pathogens, which is not consistent with bacterial meningitis.

D. Decreased glucose content: Bacteria consume glucose, leading to decreased glucose levels in bacterial meningitis.

E. Positive gram stain: A positive gram stain confirms the presence of bacterial organisms in the CSF, supporting a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.

A. Apply oxygen by nasal cannula. B. Turn the client to a lateral position. C. Administer an anticonvulsant medication. D. Check the client's oxygen saturation.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Apply oxygen by nasal cannula: Applying oxygen can be beneficial but is not the immediate priority during an active seizure. Protecting the airway comes first.

B. Turn the client to a lateral position: This action prevents aspiration by keeping the airway clear if the client vomits or has excessive secretions.

C. Administer an anticonvulsant medication: Medications may be necessary later, but immediate safety and airway protection take precedence.

D. Check the client’s oxygen saturation: Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but should follow positioning to ensure airway protection.

View Question and Answer

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

Which diagnostic test is the most definitive test used to detect meningitis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the cerebral spinal fluid analysis for a group of clients who have suspected meningitis. Which of the following analysis findings would be consistent with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis? (Select three answers that apply).

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse enters a school age child's room to administer morning medications and finds the client sitting in a chair having a seizure. After lowering the client to the floor, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a child who reports being physically abused by a family member. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A nurse is caring for a preschooler who is the hospital for sickle cell disease. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected behavior of a preschool-age-child?

What subjective data can a child tell the nurse following a seizure that could indicate the origin of the seizure in the brain?

A nurse is collecting data from a 4-month old infant who has meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching to the caregivers of a child who is to have an electroencephalogram (EEG). Which of the following statements by the caregivers indicates understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a toddler who is scheduled to have a lumbar puncture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a child who has a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?