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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Chewing the tablet before swallowing is not the correct method of administration for Sumatriptan (Imitrex) tablets. These tablets are designed to be swallowed whole. Chewing them could affect the medication’s efficacy and absorption.
Choice B reason:
“If you experience chest pain, call your physician immediately.” This instruction is crucial because Sumatriptan can cause serious cardiovascular side effects, including chest pain, which may indicate a heart attack or other serious condition. Clients need to be aware of this potential side effect and seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Choice C reason:
Taking Sumatriptan daily to prevent headaches is incorrect. Sumatriptan is used to treat acute migraine attacks and is not intended for daily use as a preventive medication. Using it daily could lead to medication overuse headaches and other adverse effects.
Choice D reason:
“Repeat dose in 1 hour for unrelieved headache” is partially correct but incomplete. The correct instruction is to repeat the dose after 2 hours if the headache is not relieved, up to a maximum of two doses in 24 hours. Clients should follow the specific dosing instructions provided by their healthcare provider.
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.