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. The nurse is performing an otoscopic examination on a child. Which are normal findings the nurse should expect? (Select all that apply.)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A well-defined light reflex, a small concave spot, and a grayish, nontransparent tympanic membrane are normal findings during an otoscopic examination in a child.

3. The nurse is preparing to admit a 10-year-old child with appendicitis. What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct! Typical signs of appendicitis include fever, vomiting, and tachycardia due to infection and inflammation. These clinical manifestations are commonly observed in patients with appendicitis. Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with appendicitis, so they are not expected findings in this situation. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.'

4. When assessing a preschooler's chest, what should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a preschooler, chest movement should be symmetric and coordinated with breathing, indicating healthy respiratory function.

5. The physician tells the parents of a 2-year-old that the child probably has RSV. The parents ask how the diagnosis will be confirmed. How should the nurse respond?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. RSV is typically diagnosed by swabbing the nose and testing the secretions. This method helps confirm the presence of the respiratory syncytial virus. Choice B is incorrect because while symptoms are important in diagnosis, specific tests like swabbing for RSV do exist. Choice C is incorrect as sending a viral culture to an outside lab is not the primary method for diagnosing RSV. Choice D is a duplicate of choice B and is incorrect for the same reasons.

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