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. In teaching the parent of a newly diagnosed 2-year-old child with pyelonephritis related to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), the nurse should include which information?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Siblings should be examined for VUR as it can run in families, and early detection can prevent complications. Limiting fluids is not advisable, and cranberry juice is not effective in preventing VUR. Surgery is usually not indicated for scarring reversal.

3. Which finding suggests fluid volume deficit in an infant presenting with vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sunken fontanel is a classic sign of dehydration in infants, indicating a fluid volume deficit. In dehydration, the fontanel sinks due to decreased fluid volume in the body. Increased blood pressure (Choice A) is not typically associated with dehydration in infants. Decreased pulse rate (Choice C) is not a common finding in fluid volume deficit, as the body tries to increase the heart rate to compensate for decreased volume. Low urine specific gravity (Choice D) may be seen in dehydration, but it is not as specific or as easily observable as a sunken fontanel.

4. Which information about hemophilia will the nurse include in the teaching plan for the parents of a child diagnosed with hemophilia?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive disorder, primarily affecting males and passed from mothers to sons. It involves a deficiency in clotting factors, leading to prolonged bleeding. Choice A is incorrect as hemophilia is not autosomal dominant. Choice C is incorrect as hemophilia does not involve platelets. Choice D is incorrect as hemophilia is not autosomal recessive.

5. A 5-year-old is hospitalized with a fractured femur. Which pain assessment tool is appropriate for this child?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Faces Pain Rating Scale is appropriate for assessing pain in children who can express their feelings visually. For a 5-year-old child who can communicate effectively, using a tool like the Faces Pain Rating Scale, which uses facial expressions to indicate pain levels, is more suitable than the CRIES Scale (used for neonates), the SUN Scale (used for infants), or the NIPS Scale (used for preterm and term newborns).

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