Which of the following is a common manifestation of bacterial meningitis in the pediatric population?
Cough, rash, and diarrhea.
Fever, headache, and neck stiffness.
Fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats.
Shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations.
The Correct Answer is B
The clinical presentation of bacterial meningitis in pediatric patients involves inflammatory responses within the meninges. Knowledge of the classic triad including thermal regulation dysfunction and meningeal irritation signs is essential to differentiate neurological infections from respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses in children.
Choice A rationale
Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis and respiratory infections typically manifest with these symptoms. In meningitis, gastrointestinal distress is less common than neurological deficits caused by increased intracranial pressure and systemic inflammatory response syndrome affecting the brain.
Choice B rationale
Fever results from cytokine release during infection. Headache and nuchal rigidity occur because inflamed meninges are stretched during movement. These classic signs indicate meningeal irritation, requiring immediate lumbar puncture to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid for pathogens.
Choice C rationale
These constitutional symptoms are hallmark signs of chronic infections like tuberculosis or malignancies. Bacterial meningitis is characterized by an acute, rapid onset of symptoms rather than the slow, progressive weight loss and diaphoresis seen here.
Choice D rationale
Chest pain and palpitations are primary indicators of cardiopulmonary distress, such as pericarditis or arrhythmias. While systemic sepsis from meningitis can cause tachycardia, the primary presentation involves central nervous system dysfunction rather than localized thoracic pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Applying pain assessment tools requires knowledge of pediatric cognitive development. The nurse must select a scale that matches the child's ability to understand symbolic representations and correlate their internal sensation of pain with external visual aids like simplified facial expressions.
Choice A rationale
Adolescents aged 13 to 18 possess the abstract thinking skills required to use a Numeric Rating Scale from 0 to 10. Using a picture-based scale is developmentally inappropriate for this group, as they can accurately quantify pain intensity numerically.
Choice B rationale
Adults are expected to use the Numeric Rating Scale or Visual Analog Scale for pain assessment. The FACES scale is specifically designed for pediatric populations who cannot yet perform the complex cognitive task of assigning a number to pain.
Choice C rationale
Children in this age range are in the preoperational stage of development and can identify with facial expressions. The scale allows them to point to a face that matches their feeling, making it a reliable tool for pain assessment.
Choice D rationale
Infants under 1 year are non-verbal and cannot use self-report tools like the FACES scale. Pain in infants must be assessed using behavioral and physiological tools such as the FLACC scale or the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale..
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This scenario requires the application of pediatric injury prevention and safety education for the toddler developmental stage. Understanding leading causes of mortality versus morbidity is essential to distinguish between fatal risks and common household hazards that necessitate environmental modifications for injury reduction.
Choice A rationale
While drowning is a significant risk, motor vehicle accidents typically remain the primary cause of accidental death in toddlers. Scientific data emphasizes car seat safety and road hazards as the leading threats to life during this period.
Choice B rationale
Toddlers possess a high center of gravity and limited coordination, making them susceptible to drowning in shallow water. Submersion in small volumes, such as toilet water or buckets, can quickly lead to hypoxia and cerebral edema.
Choice C rationale
Toddlers experience frequent falls, but their bones are often more pliable and less prone to fractures than older children. Helmet use is primarily indicated for wheeled activities rather than general daily ambulation within the home.
Choice D rationale
While storage in cabinets is necessary, toddlers are curious and physically capable of opening many enclosures. Safety education emphasizes that cabinets must be locked or latched because simple placement does not provide adequate protection against ingestion.
Choice E rationale
Stairs represent a significant risk for falls and trauma, but they are not the leading cause of injury-related death. Developmentally, children usually master stair climbing with supervision well before the age of four years.
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