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 5-year-old has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after abdominal surgery. What information does the nurse include in teaching the parents about the PCA?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the PCA pump can be programmed to deliver a continuous basal rate of pain medication to maintain pain control. While the goal of PCA is effective pain relief, it does not guarantee a pain-free state. In the case of a 5-year-old child, the parents or nurse can administer boluses if necessary since the child may not fully comprehend using the PCA button. Monitoring every 1 to 2 hours for patient response is adequate and there is no need for monitoring every 15 minutes, as stated in choice D, unless specific circumstances dictate more frequent monitoring.

3. What is the best initial intervention for a child experiencing moderate dehydration?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage oral rehydration. Oral rehydration is the first-line treatment for moderate dehydration in children. It helps restore fluid balance and electrolyte levels. Administering IV fluids (Choice A) is usually reserved for severe cases of dehydration where oral rehydration is not feasible or ineffective. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is important but should not replace the immediate need for rehydration. Providing clear fluids (Choice D) may not contain the necessary electrolytes required for effective rehydration.

4. The nurse understands that blocks to therapeutic communication include what? (Select all that apply.)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Socializing, using clichés, and defending a situation are all barriers to effective therapeutic communication. Silence is a useful tool in therapeutic communication.

5. The clinic nurse is reviewing the immunization guidelines for hepatitis B. Which are true of the guidelines for this vaccine?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hepatitis B vaccination should start at birth, and any child or adolescent not vaccinated should complete the series. Adolescents should receive three doses if they were not previously vaccinated.

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