FNP Pediatric Practice Questions Related

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The adolescent patient has symptoms of meningitis: nuchal rigidity, fever, vomiting, and lethargy. The nurse knows to prepare for the following test:

  • A. blood culture.
  • B. throat and ear culture.
  • C. CAT scan.
  • D. lumbar puncture.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms described (nuchal rigidity, fever, vomiting, and lethargy) suggest possible meningitis, which is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. One of the key diagnostic tests for meningitis is a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. During a lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is collected from the space around the spinal cord and analyzed for signs of infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities. This test helps confirm or rule out a diagnosis of meningitis and identify the specific infectious agent causing the illness. Other tests, such as blood cultures, may also be done to further evaluate the infection, but a lumbar puncture is essential for diagnosing meningitis in this case.