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
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Measuring head circumference every shift is unnecessary for a 6-year-old child with bacterial meningitis. This intervention is more relevant for infants where head circumference changes can indicate increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale
Implementing seizure precautions is necessary as bacterial meningitis can cause seizures due to increased intracranial pressure and inflammation.
Choice C rationale
Admitting the client to a private room is necessary to prevent the spread of infection, as bacterial meningitis can be highly contagious.
Choice D rationale
Placing the client in a semi-Fowler’s position helps reduce intracranial pressure and promotes comfort.