HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing Related

Review HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing related questions and content

The health care provider is treating a child with meningitis with a course of antibiotic therapy. When should the nurse expect the child to be out of isolation?

  • A. When the course of antibiotics is complete
  • B. When a negative CNS culture is obtained
  • C. When the antibiotics have been initiated for 24 hours
  • D. When the child has no symptoms of the disease
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a child with bacterial meningitis should be isolated for at least 24 hours until antibiotic therapy has been initiated. This period allows the antibiotics to start working against the infection, reducing the risk of spreading it to others. Choice A is incorrect because isolation is not solely based on completing the course of antibiotics; the initiation is crucial. Choice B is incorrect as waiting for a negative CNS culture may take longer and delay necessary precautions. Choice D is incorrect as symptom resolution does not guarantee the eradication of the infection and may still pose a risk of transmission.