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
Encouraging regular activity level as soon as possible is not appropriate for a child with streptococcal pharyngitis. Rest is important to allow the body to recover and prevent complications.
Choice B rationale
Completing the entire course of antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever, which can result from untreated or partially treated streptococcal infections.
Choice C rationale
Expecting the lymph nodes to swell and obstruct the airway is not a typical outcome of streptococcal pharyngitis. While lymph node swelling can occur, it usually does not obstruct the airway.
Choice D rationale
Being aware that the infection may spread and cause a tooth abscess is not a common complication of streptococcal pharyngitis. The primary concern is preventing complications like rheumatic fever and ensuring complete recovery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Taking pancreatic enzymes following meals is not effective. The enzymes need to be taken with meals to aid in the digestion of food as it is being consumed.
Choice B rationale
Pancreatic enzymes are not taken to improve metabolism. They are specifically prescribed to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in children with cystic fibrosis.
Choice C rationale
Taking pancreatic enzymes 2 hours before meals is not effective. The enzymes need to be taken with meals to ensure they are present in the digestive tract when food is being digested.
Choice D rationale
Taking pancreatic enzymes helps digest the fat in foods. Children with cystic fibrosis have difficulty digesting fats due to the thick mucus that blocks the pancreatic ducts, preventing the release of digestive enzymes