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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Loosening restrictive clothing can help ensure the child is comfortable and can breathe easily during a seizure. However, it is not the priority action. The primary concern during a tonic- clonic seizure is to maintain the child’s airway and prevent aspiration, especially if the child is vomiting.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the child side-lying is the priority action. This position helps maintain an open airway and allows any vomit or secretions to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale
Placing a pillow under the child’s head can provide comfort and prevent head injury during a seizure. However, it is not the priority action. The primary concern is to maintain the child’s airway and prevent aspiration.
Choice D rationale
Clearing the area of hazards is important to prevent injury during a seizure. However, it is not the priority action. The primary concern is to maintain the child’s airway and prevent aspiration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While discipline is an important aspect of parenting, the nurse’s response should focus on normalizing the child’s behavior and providing reassurance to the parent. Discussing discipline methods may not address the parent’s immediate concern about temper tantrums.
Choice B rationale
Suggesting that some children have more difficult personalities and recommending parenting books may not provide the immediate reassurance and understanding the parent needs. It is important to normalize the child’s behavior and explain that temper tantrums are a normal part of development.
Choice C rationale
Toddlers are beginning to develop a sense of autonomy and independence, which can lead to temper tantrums as they assert their desires and preferences. Explaining that temper tantrums are normal during this stage of development helps reassure the parent and provides a better understanding of their child’s behavior.
Choice D rationale
While diet can play a role in behavior, the nurse’s response should focus on normalizing the child’s behavior and providing reassurance. Discussing diet may not address the parent’s immediate concern about temper tantrums and difficult behaviors.