a 5 year old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis what is the priority nursing intervention
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Nursing Elites

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Pediatric HESI Test Bank

1. A 5-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 5-year-old child admitted to the hospital with bacterial meningitis is to isolate the child. Isolating the child is crucial to prevent the spread of infection to others, as bacterial meningitis is highly contagious. Administering antibiotics (Choice A) is important in the treatment of bacterial meningitis, but isolating the child takes precedence to protect others. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) and administering fluids (Choice D) are essential aspects of care for a child with meningitis but are not the priority intervention to prevent the spread of the infection.

2. A 2-year-old child with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is being discharged. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Apply topical corticosteroids as prescribed.' Atopic dermatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and itchiness of the skin. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms in atopic dermatitis. Teaching the caregiver to apply the medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider is crucial for managing the child's condition effectively. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority discharge teaching for atopic dermatitis. While avoiding triggers that cause flare-ups and contact with sick individuals can be beneficial, the immediate focus should be on proper medication administration to address the underlying inflammation and symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

3. A parent brings an 18-month-old toddler to the clinic. The parent states, 'My child is so difficult to please, has temper tantrums, and annoys me by throwing food from the table.' What is the nurse’s best response?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: “Toddlers are learning to assert independence, and this behavior is expected at this age.” At 18 months, toddlers are in the stage of developing autonomy and independence. They may exhibit behaviors like temper tantrums and defiance as they assert their independence and test limits. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to understand that these behaviors are typical for toddlers at this age. Choice A is incorrect because discipline should be age-appropriate and focus on positive reinforcement rather than preventing antisocial behaviors. Choice C is inappropriate as leaving a toddler alone in a crib after explaining unacceptable behavior is not a recommended approach and can lead to feelings of abandonment. Choice D is inaccurate as the described behavior is more related to asserting independence rather than the initiative stage of development.

4. When evaluating the laboratory report of a 1-year-old infant’s hematocrit, a healthcare provider compares it with the expected hematocrit range for this age group. What is the hematocrit of a healthy 12-month-old infant?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct hematocrit range for a healthy 12-month-old infant is between 37% to 47%. At this age, this range reflects the normal blood volume and red blood cell (RBC) levels in infants. Choice A (19% to 32%) is too low for a healthy hematocrit level in a 12-month-old. Choice B (29% to 41%) is also below the typical range for a 12-month-old. Choice D (42% to 69%) includes an upper limit that is higher than expected for a healthy infant, making it an incorrect option.

5. A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is under the care of a nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with cystic fibrosis is administering pancreatic enzymes. This is crucial for managing the condition as it helps in proper digestion of nutrients. Providing respiratory therapy and encouraging physical activity are important aspects of care for cystic fibrosis, but administering pancreatic enzymes takes precedence due to its direct impact on the child's ability to digest and absorb essential nutrients. Encouraging frequent handwashing is a good practice for infection control but is not the priority intervention in this scenario.

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