A nurse is taking care of a child with a possible diagnosis of meningitis. The nurse knows to look for which laboratory results to verify the diagnosis?
Decreased pressure and cloudy cerebrospinal fluid with a high protein level.
Clear cerebrospinal fluid with a high protein and low glucose.
Cloudy cerebrospinal fluid with a low protein and low glucose.
Cloudy cerebrospinal fluid with a high protein and low glucose levels.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Decreased pressure and cloudy cerebrospinal fluid with a high protein level. Meningitis usually causes increased intracranial pressure, not decreased.
B. Clear cerebrospinal fluid with a high protein and low glucose. Clear CSF is typically seen in viral meningitis, but bacterial meningitis more often causes cloudy CSF.
C. Cloudy cerebrospinal fluid with a low protein and low glucose. While glucose is low in bacterial meningitis, protein is typically elevated due to the infection.
D. Cloudy cerebrospinal fluid with a high protein and low glucose levels. This finding is consistent with bacterial meningitis, where the CSF is cloudy, protein is elevated due to inflammation, and glucose is low because bacteria consume glucose.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I know that my child will need to have a companion when swimming." This is a correct precaution to prevent drowning in case of a seizure.
B. "I will make my child wear a medical identification bracelet." This is correct to alert others in case of an emergency.
C. "I will need to give antiseizure medications when my child has a seizure." Antiseizure medications are typically administered as a preventive measure, not during a seizure. Emergency medications (e.g., rectal diazepam) may be used for prolonged seizures but are not routine for every seizure.
D. "I will have my child wear a bike helmet when riding a bike or skateboard." This is correct to protect the child from head injuries during activities.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Reduce environmental stimuli: While minimizing stimuli is important for comfort, it is not the priority in treating a life-threatening bacterial infection.
B. Document intake and output: Monitoring fluid status is essential but secondary to administering life-saving treatment.
C. Administer antibiotics when available: Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. Administering antibiotics promptly can reduce mortality and prevent complications such as neurological damage.
D. Maintain seizure precautions: Seizure precautions are necessary but do not take precedence over starting antibiotics.