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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?

A.

Obtain blood cultures.

B.

Administer an intravenous antibiotic.

C.

Prepare the child for a lumbar puncture.

D.

Place the child in isolation.

Answer and Explanation

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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View Related questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Tugging on the affected ear lobe is a common sign of otitis media in children. This behavior is often observed because the child is experiencing discomfort or pain in the ear, and tugging or pulling on the ear lobe is a way to express or alleviate that discomfort.

Choice B rationale

Erythema and edema of the affected ear are not typical findings in otitis media. These symptoms are more commonly associated with external ear infections, such as otitis externa.

Choice C rationale

Pain when manipulating the affected ear lobe is more indicative of otitis externa rather than otitis media. Otitis media involves the middle ear, and manipulation of the ear lobe does not typically cause pain.

Choice D rationale

Clear drainage from the affected ear is not a typical finding in otitis media. If there is drainage, it is usually purulent (pus-like) and indicates a more severe infection or a ruptured eardrum.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Developing autonomy is a normal developmental milestone for toddlers. However, the behaviors described in the question (sitting quietly, sucking thumb, turning away) are more indicative of regression rather than autonomy.

Choice B rationale

Resentment toward the mother is not a typical developmental reaction for an 18-month-old toddler. The behaviors described are more indicative of regression due to the stress of hospitalization.

Choice C rationale

Anxiety reaction can occur in toddlers who are hospitalized, but the behaviors described (sitting quietly, sucking thumb, turning away) are more indicative of regression.

Choice D rationale

Regression is a common reaction in toddlers who are hospitalized. The behaviors described (sitting quietly, sucking thumb, turning away) are typical signs of regression, where the child reverts to earlier developmental behaviors as a coping mechanism.

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