a 5 year old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis what is the priority nursing intervention
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Nursing Elites

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Pediatric HESI Test Bank

1. A 5-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 5-year-old child admitted to the hospital with bacterial meningitis is to isolate the child. Isolating the child is crucial to prevent the spread of infection to others, as bacterial meningitis is highly contagious. Administering antibiotics (Choice A) is important in the treatment of bacterial meningitis, but isolating the child takes precedence to protect others. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) and administering fluids (Choice D) are essential aspects of care for a child with meningitis but are not the priority intervention to prevent the spread of the infection.

2. You are called to a residence for a 'sick' 5-year-old child. When you arrive and begin your assessment, you note that the child is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min. Management of this child should consist of

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a 5-year-old child who is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min, the priority is to initiate chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport. These vital interventions are crucial in cases of severe respiratory and cardiovascular compromise. Choice A is incorrect because administering 100% oxygen alone may not address the underlying issues of inadequate ventilation and circulatory support. Choice B is not the most appropriate initial intervention in this scenario; chest compressions should precede positive pressure ventilations. Choice D is incorrect as back blows and chest thrusts are indicated in choking emergencies, not in this case of respiratory and cardiovascular compromise.

3. A child with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is being evaluated for medication management. What is an important assessment for the nurse to perform?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the child's dietary intake is crucial in managing symptoms and ensuring proper nutrition in children with ADHD. Dietary factors can influence ADHD symptoms. While sleep patterns, academic performance, and behavior at home are important aspects to consider, dietary assessment plays a significant role in the management of ADHD.

4. A child has been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, and a nurse is providing care. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome is monitoring urine output. This is essential for assessing kidney function and managing the condition effectively. Administering diuretics (Choice A) may be a part of the treatment plan but should not be the priority over monitoring urine output. Administering corticosteroids (Choice C) may also be a treatment for nephrotic syndrome, but monitoring urine output takes precedence. Restricting fluid intake (Choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the priority intervention compared to monitoring urine output for early detection of changes in kidney function.

5. An 8-year-old child with the diagnosis of meningitis is to have a lumbar puncture. What should the nurse explain is the purpose of this procedure?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of a lumbar puncture is to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This sample helps in diagnosing conditions such as meningitis by evaluating the presence of pathogens or abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid. Measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (Choice A) is not the main objective of a lumbar puncture, although it can be done during the procedure. Relieving intracranial pressure (Choice C) is not the direct purpose of a lumbar puncture, as other interventions are typically used for this purpose. Assessing the presence of infection in the spinal fluid (Choice D) is related to the overall goal of obtaining a sample for analysis, making it a secondary outcome of the procedure.

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