A nurse is assessing a client who reports a severe headache and stiff neck. The nurse’s assessment reveals positive Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s signs. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Decrease bright lights.
Implement droplet precautions.
Initiate IV access.
Administer antibiotics.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Decreasing bright lights can help alleviate discomfort for the client, especially if they are experiencing photophobia, which is common in meningitis. However, this action does not address the immediate need to prevent the spread of infection. While it is a supportive measure, it is not the first priority in managing a client with suspected meningitis.
Choice B reason:
Implementing droplet precautions is the first priority when a client presents with symptoms suggestive of meningitis, such as a severe headache, stiff neck, and positive Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s signs. Meningitis can be caused by bacterial infections that are highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets. Initiating droplet precautions helps prevent the transmission of the infection to other clients and healthcare workers, making it the most critical initial action.
Choice C reason:
Initiating IV access is important for administering medications and fluids, but it is not the first priority. Ensuring the safety of others by implementing droplet precautions takes precedence. Once precautions are in place, the nurse can proceed with establishing IV access to facilitate further treatment.
Choice D reason:
Administering antibiotics is crucial in the treatment of bacterial meningitis, but it should be done after droplet precautions are in place to prevent the spread of infection. Prompt antibiotic therapy is essential, but the initial step must focus on infection control measures to protect others from exposure.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Restricting visitors to a few hours in the afternoon to promote client rest can help reduce fatigue, but it does not directly address the need to conserve energy throughout the day. While managing visitor times can be part of an overall strategy, it is not the most effective way to conserve energy for essential activities.
Choice B reason:
Scheduling all activities within a small block of time to allow the client a longer, uninterrupted rest period may lead to fatigue and decreased performance. Concentrating activities in a short time frame can be overwhelming and counterproductive, especially for clients with limited energy reserves.
Choice C reason:
Scheduling toilet breaks before and after any other planned activity is practical for managing personal needs but does not specifically address energy conservation. While it ensures that the client is comfortable, it does not optimize the timing of energy-intensive activities.
Choice D reason:
Scheduling energy-intensive activities at the time of day when the client has higher energy levels is the best approach to conserve energy without compromising physical or mental health. This strategy takes advantage of the client’s natural energy peaks, allowing them to perform activities more effectively and with less fatigue. It helps balance activity and rest, promoting overall well-being.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Predicting future client outcomes based on historical data is the purpose of predictive analytics, not descriptive analytics. Predictive analytics uses statistical models and algorithms to forecast future events or behaviors. Descriptive analytics, on the other hand, focuses on summarizing and interpreting past data.
Choice B reason:
Developing new treatment protocols based on client data is more aligned with prescriptive analytics, which provides recommendations for actions based on data analysis. Descriptive analytics does not develop new protocols but rather helps in understanding and summarizing existing data.
Choice C reason:
Descriptive analytics involves summarizing and interpreting historical client data to identify trends and patterns. This type of analytics helps healthcare providers understand what has happened in the past and can inform decision-making by highlighting key insights and trends. It is a foundational step in data analysis that supports further predictive and prescriptive analytics.
Choice D reason:
Providing real-time monitoring of client’s vital signs is associated with real-time analytics or monitoring systems, not descriptive analytics. Descriptive analytics focuses on analyzing historical data rather than real-time data.