The nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed antibiotic to a ...

[CBme]

The nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed antibiotic to a client with bacterial meningitis. The nurse understands that the selection of an antibiotic to treat meningitis is based on which of the following?
 
  1. It has a long half-life.
  2. It acts within minutes to hours.
  3. It is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
  4. It can be easily excreted in the urine.

Question 2

The nurse is monitoring a client with dysfunctional labor for signs of fetal or maternal compromise. Which of the following findings would alert the nurse to a compromise?
 
  1. Maternal fatigue
  2. Coordinated uterine contractions
  3. The passage of meconium
  4. Progressive changes in the cervix

[lcapri7]

Answer to Question 1

3

Rationale: A primary consideration regarding medications to treat bacterial meningitis is the ability of the medication to cross the blood-brain barrier. If the medication cannot cross, it will not be effective. The duration, onset, and excretion of the medication (it has a long half-life, it acts within minutes to hours, and it can be easily excreted in the urine) are also of general concern but apply to all medications and not specifically to those that are used to treat meningitis.

Answer to Question 2

3

Rationale: Signs of fetal or maternal compromise include a persistent, nonreassuring fetal heart rate, fetal acidosis, and the passage of meconium. Maternal fatigue and infection can occur if the labor is prolonged but does not indicate fetal or maternal compromise. Progressive changes in the cervix and coordinated uterine contractions are a reassuring pattern in labor.

[CBme]

Excellent

[JaynaD87]

TYSM