what is the most appropriate action for a nurse if a child presents with suspected meningitis
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Nursing Care of Children 2019 B

1. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider if a child presents with suspected meningitis?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isolating the child is a priority to prevent the spread of infection until meningitis is confirmed or ruled out. Meningitis, particularly bacterial, is highly contagious and can lead to outbreaks if not properly managed. Isolation and prompt treatment are critical in preventing serious complications. Administering antibiotics immediately without confirmation of the diagnosis can be harmful if the cause is viral or non-infectious. Performing a lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure that should be done by a healthcare provider but is not the initial action when suspecting meningitis. Obtaining a complete blood count may be part of the diagnostic workup but is not the most appropriate initial action in suspected meningitis.

2. A child with acute gastrointestinal bleeding is admitted to the hospital. The nurse observes which sign or symptom as an early manifestation of shock?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Restlessness is an early sign of shock due to decreased perfusion and oxygenation to the brain. This symptom requires immediate attention to prevent the progression to more severe stages of shock. Rapid capillary refill (Choice B) is not typically an early sign of shock but rather a sign of adequate perfusion. Increased temperature (Choice C) may occur in later stages of shock due to the body's response to stress. Increased blood pressure (Choice D) is not an early sign of shock; in fact, blood pressure tends to decrease in shock as a compensatory mechanism.

3. What is a physical characteristic of infants whose mothers smoked during pregnancy?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Growth restriction in weight, length, and chest and head circumference. Infants born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy exhibit growth failure in weight, length, chest, and head circumference. This growth failure is directly related to the number of cigarettes smoked by the mother. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because infants exposed to maternal smoking do not tend to be large for gestational age, experience growth restriction in weight only, or be preterm but size appropriate for gestational age.

4. A teen with asthma asks the nurse why it is hard to breathe during an asthma attack. The nurse explains that exposure to a “trigger” results in which of these manifestations?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Asthma triggers cause bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and increased mucus production, leading to difficulty breathing. This combination of manifestations results in narrowing of the airways, making it hard for the individual to breathe effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because during an asthma attack, bronchodilation, muscle relaxation, and decreased mucus production do not occur. Instead, the airways constrict, become inflamed, and produce excess mucus, contributing to the breathing difficulties experienced by individuals with asthma.

5. What recommendation should the nurse make to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young girls?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Proper perineal hygiene, including cleansing with water after voiding, is crucial in preventing UTIs in young girls. Avoiding public toilets and limiting baths are less effective than proper hygiene practices.

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