The public health nurse is planning a program to decrease the ...

[fagboi]

The public health nurse is planning a program to decrease the incidence of meningitis in adoles-cents and young adults. Which action is most important?
 
  a. Encourage adolescents and young adults to avoid crowds in the winter.
  b. Vaccinate 11- and 12-year-old children against Haemophilus influenzae.
  c. Immunize adolescents and college fresh-man against Neisseria meningitides.
  d. Emphasize the importance of hand wash-ing to prevent the spread of infection.

Question 2

A patient has been admitted with meningococcal meningitis. Which observation by the nurse re-quires action?
 
  a. The bedrails at the head and foot of the bed are both elevated.
  b. The patient receives a regular diet from the dietary department.
  c. The lights in the patient's room are turned off and the blinds are shut.
  d. Unlicensed assistive personnel enter the patient's room without a mask.

[pikon]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The Neisseria meningitides vaccination is recommended for children ages 11 and 12, unvac-cinated teens entering high school, and college freshmen. Hand washing may help decrease the spread of bacteria, but it is not as effective as immunization. Vaccination with Haemophilus in-fluenzae is for infants and toddlers. Because adolescents and young adults are in school or the workplace, avoiding crowds is not realistic.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Meningococcal meningitis is spread by respiratory secretions, so it is important to maintain res-piratory isolation as well as standard precautions. Because the patient may be confused and weak, bedrails should be elevated at both the foot and head of the bed. Low light levels in the room decrease pain caused by photophobia. Nutrition is an important aspect of care in a patient with meningitis.