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. Apgar scoring is conducted at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. It is used to determine:

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Apgar score assesses a newborn's physical condition immediately after birth by evaluating heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and color. Therefore, the correct answer is A. The other choices are incorrect because B) the Apgar score does not predict future intelligence, C) it does not measure parent and newborn interaction, and D) it is not used to determine gestational age.

3. The nurse is teaching a client to prevent future urinary tract infections (UTIs). What factor is most important to emphasize as the potential cause?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Urinary stasis is the most important factor in the development of UTIs because it provides an environment for bacterial growth. While poor hygiene and congenital anomalies are contributing factors, preventing urinary stasis is key in UTI prevention.

4. What physiologic state(s) produces the clinical manifestations of nervous system stimulation and excitement, such as overexcitability, nervousness, and tetany?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Both metabolic and respiratory alkalosis can cause overexcitability and nervous system stimulation due to a decrease in ionized calcium levels, which can cause symptoms such as tetany and paresthesias. Acidosis typically has the opposite effect, leading to depression of the nervous system.

5. Which immunization is typically administered at birth?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hepatitis B. The Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given at birth to protect against hepatitis B, a virus that can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer. This vaccination is crucial for newborns, especially those born to mothers who are carriers of hepatitis B. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because DTaP (B), MMR (C), and Varicella (D) vaccines are not typically administered at birth. DTaP is given in a series starting at 2 months, MMR is usually given around 12-15 months, and Varicella is given between 12-15 months of age.

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