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 child with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) poisoning is being admitted to the emergency department. What early clinical manifestation does the nurse expect to assess on this child?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Early signs of aspirin poisoning include hyperventilation due to the stimulation of the respiratory center and the resultant respiratory alkalosis. Hematemesis, hematochezia, and hyperglycemia can occur later in the poisoning process or may not be directly related to aspirin toxicity.

3. An awake, alert 4-year-old child has just arrived at the emergency department after an ingestion of aspirin at home. The practitioner has ordered activated charcoal. The nurse administers charcoal in which manner?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mixing activated charcoal with a flavorful beverage in an opaque container can help mask the taste and encourage the child to ingest it. Using an opaque container can prevent the child from seeing the unappealing appearance of the charcoal mixture, increasing compliance.

4. A new parent, when asked by a nurse, explains that the 4-month-old infant has been nursing regularly every 3 to 4 hours and seems satisfied. However, the parent recently introduced solid food in the form of unbuttered popcorn to the infant as a supplement. What should be the primary nursing concern in this situation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary nursing concern in this situation is the risk for aspiration. Popcorn is a choking hazard for infants, as their airway is not fully developed to handle solid foods like popcorn. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the main focus should be on the immediate risk of aspiration due to the inappropriate solid food given to the infant, rather than on nutritional imbalances or readiness for enhanced nutrition.

5. What is the primary symptom of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a newborn?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Absent breath sounds on the affected side are a primary symptom of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Cyanosis, bradycardia, and tachypnea may also be present but are not the primary symptom. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygenation, bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate, and tachypnea is rapid breathing.

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