A 5-month-old infant is admitted to the ER with a temperature of 103.6°F and irritability. The mother states that the child has been listless for the past several hours and that he had a seizure on the way to the hospital. A lumbar puncture confirms a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. The nurse should assess the infant for:
- A. Periorbital edema
- B. Tenseness of the anterior fontanel
- C. Positive Babinski reflex
- D. Negative scarf sign
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tenseness of the anterior fontanel is a key sign of bacterial meningitis in a 5-month-old, indicating increased intracranial pressure from infection, alongside fever, irritability, and seizures. Periorbital edema isn't typical, a positive Babinski is normal at this age, and a negative scarf sign relates to tone, not pressure. Nurses assess this bulging fontanel urgently, as it signals worsening inflammation, guiding immediate antibiotic and supportive care to prevent brain damage or death in this critical condition.
You may also like to solve these questions
When is the best time to collect urine specimen for routine urinalysis and C/S?
- A. Early morning
- B. Later afternoon
- C. Midnight
- D. Before breakfast
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Early morning urine first void e.g., concentrated is best for urinalysis/C&S, detecting glucose, bacteria. Later dilutes; midnight, pre-breakfast vary. Nurses collect e.g., 6 AM for accuracy, per protocols.
A client with a traumatic brain injury is receiving mannitol. The nurse should monitor for which adverse effect of this medication?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mannitol, an osmotic diuretic, can cause hypotension (A) from fluid shifts and diuresis. Hyperkalemia (B), hyperglycemia (C), or bradycardia (D) are less common. A is correct. Rationale: BP drop risks perfusion; monitoring ensures safety, per pharmacology, critical in brain injury management.
Select the 4 findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. Lung sounds
- B. Capillary refill
- C. Client orientation
- D. Radial pulse characteristic
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a clinical scenario requiring immediate follow-up, nurses prioritize findings indicating potential deterioration or instability. Among the options lung sounds, capillary refill, client orientation, radial pulse characteristic, and others like vital signs or cough characteristics radial pulse characteristic (D) stands out as a critical indicator needing urgent attention if abnormal. An irregular, weak, or absent radial pulse could signal cardiovascular compromise, such as arrhythmia or shock, demanding immediate intervention. Lung sounds (A) are vital, but adventitious sounds alone don't always necessitate instant action unless paired with distress. Capillary refill (B) reflects perfusion, but a delay (e.g., >2 seconds) is concerning only in context. Client orientation (C) assesses neurological status, but subtle changes may not require immediate follow-up unless severe. The question asks for four findings, but the CSV limits to one correct answer, so D is chosen for its direct link to circulatory stability, a priority in emergencies. Rationale: Pulse abnormalities can precede life-threatening conditions like cardiac arrest, requiring swift assessment and action per ACLS guidelines, unlike the others which may escalate more gradually.
During an abdominal assessment, what is the correct sequence of steps for a healthcare provider to follow?
- A. Inspection, percussion, palpation, auscultation
- B. Percussion, auscultation, inspection, palpation
- C. Auscultation, palpation, inspection, percussion
- D. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During an abdominal assessment, the correct sequence of steps is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. This sequence is followed to prevent altering bowel sounds. Inspection allows for visual observation, followed by auscultation to listen for bowel sounds without causing disturbance, percussion to assess for tympany or dullness, and finally palpation to feel for any abnormalities or tenderness. Choice A is incorrect because palpation should come after percussion. Choice B is incorrect as auscultation should be performed after inspection. Choice C is incorrect because palpation should be the final step after percussion.
A client has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include during discharge teaching?
- A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
- B. Monitor weight daily.
- C. Take the medication with food.
- D. Increase salt intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring weight daily is crucial when taking furosemide to detect fluid retention or loss. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps the body get rid of excess water and salt through urine. Changes in weight can indicate fluid shifts, which could be a sign of inadequate response to the medication or worsening condition. Therefore, monitoring weight daily is essential to assess the effectiveness of furosemide therapy and detect any potential issues early on. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in potassium is more relevant for clients taking potassium-sparing diuretics, not furosemide. Taking furosemide with food is not necessary, as it can be taken with or without food. Increasing salt intake is contradictory to the purpose of furosemide, which aims to eliminate excess salt from the body.