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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid can help reduce inflammation in the airways, but it is not the priority intervention in an acute asthma exacerbation. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilator.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining a peak flow reading can help assess the severity of the asthma exacerbation, but it is not the priority intervention. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilator.
Choice C rationale
Administering a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) is the priority intervention. SABAs, such as albuterol, provide rapid bronchodilation and relieve bronchospasm, which are the main features of status asthmatics.
Choice D rationale
Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation can help guide long-term management, but it is not the priority intervention in an acute asthma exacerbation. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms. It is not a rescue medication and does not provide immediate relief during an acute asthma attack. Montelukast works by reducing inflammation and preventing bronchoconstriction, but its effects are not rapid enough to address the immediate needs of a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack.
Choice B rationale
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that provides rapid bronchodilation and is the first-line treatment for acute asthma attacks. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, leading to quick relief of bronchospasm and improved airflow. Administering albuterol promptly can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the progression of an asthma attack, making it the priority medication in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control of asthma. It helps reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma symptoms but is not effective as a rescue medication during an acute asthma attack. Inhaled corticosteroids are typically used as part of a daily maintenance regimen to manage chronic asthma and prevent exacerbations.
Choice D rationale
Budesonide is another inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control. Like fluticasone, it helps reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms but is not suitable for immediate relief during an acute asthma attack. Inhaled corticosteroids are important for managing chronic asthma but do not provide the rapid bronchodilation needed in an emergency situation.