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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging the child to talk about the procedure is important for emotional support, but it is not the most critical assessment immediately after a cardiac catheterization. The priority is to monitor for potential complications.
Choice B rationale
Confirming to the child that the procedure has been completed is important for reassurance, but it is not the most critical assessment. The priority is to monitor for potential complications.
Choice C rationale
Gradually allowing the child to adapt to the lighted surroundings is not relevant to the immediate post-procedure care. The priority is to monitor for potential complications.
Choice D rationale
Checking pedal pulses frequently is the most important assessment after a cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery. It helps to ensure that there is adequate blood flow to the lower extremities and to detect any signs of arterial obstruction or complications at the catheter insertion site.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Coughing and shortness of breath in the morning are signs of poor asthma control, not well- controlled asthma. These symptoms indicate that the child’s asthma is not being managed effectively and may require adjustments in their treatment plan.
Choice B rationale
This statement is incorrect. If asthma is not controlled, the child is likely to miss more days of school due to asthma symptoms and exacerbations. Effective asthma management aims to reduce symptoms and prevent asthma attacks, allowing the child to attend school regularly.
Choice C rationale
Eliminating allergens that irritate the lungs is a key strategy in preventing asthma attacks. Allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen can trigger asthma symptoms. By reducing exposure to these allergens, the child can better manage their asthma and reduce the frequency of attacks.
Choice D rationale
This statement is false. Children with well-controlled asthma can participate in sports and physical activities. Physical activity is beneficial for lung function and overall health. The nurse should teach the child how to prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms, such as using a bronchodilator before exercise.