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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ignoring temper tantrums is an effective strategy for managing this behavior. By not giving attention to the tantrum, the child learns that this behavior will not achieve the desired outcome. This approach helps reduce the frequency and intensity of tantrums over time.
Choice B rationale
Restraining the child physically during a temper tantrum can escalate the situation and may cause injury to the child or the caregiver. It is not recommended as a strategy for managing temper tantrums.
Choice C rationale
Distracting the child by offering to play a game can be an effective strategy for preventing tantrums, but it is not the best approach once a tantrum has already started. Ignoring the tantrum is more effective in reducing the behavior over time.
Choice D rationale
Telling the child that temper tantrums are not acceptable may not be effective during the tantrum itself. The child is unlikely to be receptive to verbal reasoning during a tantrum. Ignoring the tantrum is a more effective strategy.