The wife of the client diagnosed with septic meningitis asks the nurse, 'I am so scared. What is meningitis?' Which statement would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. There is bleeding into his brain causing irritation of the meninges.'
- B. A virus has infected the brain and meninges, causing inflammation.'
- C. It is a bacterial infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord.'
- D. It is an inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by a mosquito bite.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Septic meningitis is a bacterial infection of the meninges (C). Bleeding (A) describes subarachnoid hemorrhage, viral meningitis (B) is aseptic, and mosquito-related inflammation (D) refers to encephalitis.
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The client is undergoing post-thrombolytic therapy for a stroke. The health-care provider has ordered heparin to be infused at 1,000 units per hour. The solution comes as 25,000 units of heparin in 500 mL of D5W. At what rate will the nurse set the pump?
Correct Answer: 20 mL/hr
Rationale: Calculate: (1,000 units/hr ÷ 25,000 units) × 500 mL = 20 mL/hr. The pump should be set to 20 mL/hr.
The client with MS tells the nurse about extreme fatigue. Which assessment findings should the nurse identify as contributing to the client's fatigue? Select all that apply.
- A. Hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL and hematocrit is 31.8%
- B. Taking baclofen 15 mg 3 times per day
- C. Working 4 to 8 hours per week in the family business
- D. Stopped taking amitriptyline 8 weeks earlier
- E. Presence of a cardiac murmur at the tricuspid valve.
- F. Bilateral leg weakness noted when walking in room
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E,F
Rationale: The lower-than-normal Hgb and Hct indicate anemia. Inadequate cell oxygenation contributes to fatigue. Baclofen (Lioresal), a skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve spasms, has the adverse effects of drowsiness and fatigue. Working 4 to 8 hours per week is a limited number of hours and should not contribute to the client’s fatigue. The client has stopped amitriptyline (Elavil), an antidepressant, and may be clinically depressed. Fatigue is a major symptom of depression. A tricuspid murmur indicates an incompetent cardiac valve, which will decrease the amount of oxygenated blood reaching the tissues. The increased energy expenditure with ambulation can increase fatigue.
The nurse stops at the scene of a motor-vehicle accident and provides emergency first aid at the scene. Which law protects the nurse as a first responder?
- A. The First Aid Law.
- B. Ombudsman Act.
- C. Good Samaritan Act.
- D. First Responder Law.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Good Samaritan Act (C) protects nurses providing emergency care from liability. First Aid Law (A) and First Responder Law (D) are not standard, and Ombudsman Act (B) is unrelated.
The nurse in a long-term care facility has noticed a change in the behavior of one of the clients. The client no longer participates in activities and prefers to stay in his room. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Insist that the client go to the dining room for meals.
- B. Notify the family of the change in behavior.
- C. Determine if the client wants another roommate.
- D. Complete a Geriatric Depression Scale.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Social withdrawal may indicate depression. Completing a Geriatric Depression Scale (D) is the first step to assess this possibility. Forcing dining (A), notifying family (B), or changing roommates (C) are premature without assessment.
Because the client with Parkinson's disease is prone to constipation, the nurse should encourage increased consumption of which food?
- A. Fresh fruits
- B. Wheat pasta
- C. Low-fat cheese
- D. Canned vegetables
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fresh fruits are high in fiber, which helps alleviate constipation in clients with Parkinson's disease.
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