which action is a priority for the nurse when caring for a client with suspected meningitis
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI Quizlet

1. What is a priority action for the nurse when caring for a client with suspected meningitis?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering intravenous antibiotics is the priority when caring for a client with suspected meningitis. The prompt administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat bacterial meningitis and prevent potential complications. Isolating the client in a private room may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection, but antibiotic administration takes precedence. Obtaining a throat culture and performing a chest x-ray are important diagnostic measures, but they do not address the immediate need for antibiotic therapy in suspected bacterial meningitis.

2. A male client with muscular dystrophy fell in his home and is admitted with a right hip fracture. His right foot is cool, with palpable pedal pulses. Lungs are coarse with diminished bibasilar breath sounds. Vital signs are temperature 101 degrees F, heart rate 128 beats/minute, respirations 28 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 122/82. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement first?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering an antipyretic is the most important intervention. The client presents with an elevated temperature, tachycardia, and tachypnea, indicating a fever. Lowering the temperature with an antipyretic is crucial to prevent complications like dehydration, altered mental status, and increased oxygen demand. While assessing lower extremity circulation and oxygen saturation are important, addressing the elevated temperature takes priority in this scenario. Incentive spirometry may be beneficial but is not the priority compared to managing the fever.

3. The nurse is recording a history for a child who has been diagnosed with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). What is a finding that is characteristic of this disorder?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pain for 3 consecutive months. Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is characterized by abdominal pain that occurs at least once per week for at least 2 months before diagnosis. Choosing option A is incorrect since morning headaches are not a common characteristic of RAP. Option C is incorrect because febrile episodes in the late afternoon are not typically associated with RAP. Option D is incorrect as diaphoresis (excessive sweating) when attacks occur is not a common finding in RAP.

4. Which additional congenital malformation is expected in 80% of infants with a myelomeningocele?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydrocephalus is the additional congenital malformation expected in 80% of infants with a myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele is commonly associated with hydrocephalus due to the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Cerebral palsy (Choice A) is a motor disorder but not typically associated with myelomeningocele. Meningitis (Choice C) is an infection of the meninges and is not a congenital malformation. Neuroblastoma (Choice D) is a type of cancer that originates in immature nerve cells and is not a typical association with myelomeningocele.

5. The nurse is evaluating teaching about drug therapy to treat gout. Which statement by the client demonstrates an understanding of the use of allopurinol to treat Gout?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Taking allopurinol every day helps to prevent gout flare-ups by reducing uric acid levels.

Similar Questions

The nurse is assessing a client who reports sudden onset of severe eye pain and blurred vision. What is the priority nursing intervention?
What most influences the severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?
Which dietary modification is most appropriate for a client with nephrotic syndrome?
While planning care for a client with carpal tunnel syndrome, the nurse identifies a collaborative problem of pain. What is the etiology of this problem?
Twelve hours following a unilateral total knee replacement, a client reports being unable to sleep because of severe incisional pain. What is the best initial nursing action?

Access More Features

HESI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

HESI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses