Meningitis

A client is scheduled for a lumbar puncture to rule out bacterial meningitis. She tells the nurse that she is fearful of becoming paralyzed from the needle placement in her spinal column. Which of the following responses should the nurse offer?

"The needle is inserted below the third lumbar vertebrae, which is well below the point at which the spinal cord ends." This therapeutic response provides information that specifically addresses the client's concerns and helps decrease anxiety and fears.

A nurse is planning care for a child who has meningococcal meningitis. Which of the following isolation precautions should the nurse plan to implement?

Droplet precautions The nurse should maintain droplet precautions for a client who has meningococcal meningitis for 24 to 72 hours after the initiation of antibiotic therapy. Disease transmission can occur through large-droplet particles when the client is talking. There is no drainage of infected body fluids with meningitis, so contact precautions are not necessary.

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a lumbar puncture (LP) for a client who has manifestations of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Elevated protein An LP is a diagnostic test in which cerebrospinal fluid is extracted for examination. Manifestations of bacterial meningitis include increased protein in the cerebrospinal fluid.

A nurse is caring for an 18-year-old adolescent who is up-to-date on immunizations and is planning to attend college. The nurse should recommend which of the following immunizations prior to moving into a campus dormitory?

Meningococcal polysaccharide The meningococcal polysaccharide immunization is used to prevent infection by certain groups of meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal infection can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as meningococcal meningitis (which affects the brain) and meningococcemia (which affects the blood). Both of these conditions can be fatal. College freshmen, particularly those who live in dormitories, are at an increased risk for meningococcal disease relative to other persons their age. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a recommendation that all incoming college students receive the meningococcal immunization.

A nurse is caring for a toddler who has a fever, a high-pitched cry, irritability, and vomiting. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Pad the rails of the toddler's bed When caring for a toddler who has manifestations of bacterial meningitis, the nurse should implement seizure precautions, which includes padding the side rails of the bed.

A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old infant who has chronic otitis media. The nurse should recognize that chronic otitis media will affect which of the following?

Speech patterns Chronic otitis media can result in hearing loss, which can affect speech development.

A nurse is caring for a 1-year-old infant who has chronic otitis media. The nurse should identify that which of the following areas is at risk of a delay in development?

Speech patterns Speech patterns are developed through auditory experiences. Chronic otitis media is a common cause of hearing impairment, which can delay the development of speech.