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?
Obtain blood cultures.
Administer an intravenous antibiotic.
Prepare the child for a lumbar puncture.
Place the child in isolation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Obtaining blood cultures is important for identifying the causative organism, but it should be done immediately before or concurrently with the administration of antibiotics.
Choice B rationale
Administering an intravenous antibiotic is the priority action for a child with suspected bacterial meningitis. Early administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat the infection and prevent complications such as brain swelling and seizures.
Choice C rationale
Preparing the child for a lumbar puncture is necessary for diagnosing meningitis, but it should not delay the administration of antibiotics.
Choice D rationale
Placing the child in isolation is important to prevent the spread of infection, but it is not the immediate priority over administering antibiotics.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Rheumatic fever is often preceded by a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. A sibling with a sore throat 3 weeks ago could have had a strep infection, which is a significant risk factor for developing rheumatic fever.
Choice B rationale
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is not related to rheumatic fever, which is a complication of streptococcal infections.
Choice C rationale
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining and is not associated with rheumatic fever.
Choice D rationale
Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19 and is not related to rheumatic fever.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The inability to stand upright without support at 15 months is a developmental delay that should be reported to the provider. By this age, most toddlers can stand and walk independently. Delays in motor skills can indicate underlying neurological or musculoskeletal issues.
Choice B rationale
Building a tower of six to seven cubes is a skill typically developed by 24 months. At 15 months, a toddler may only be able to stack two to three cubes.
Choice C rationale
Jumping with both feet is a skill that develops around 24 to 36 months. It is not expected for a 15-month-old toddler to be able to jump with both feet.
Choice D rationale
Turning a doorknob is a fine motor skill that develops around 24 to 36 months. It is not expected for a 15-month-old toddler to have this skill.