Author Question: Which action will the public health nurse take to reduce the incidence of epidemic encephalitis in a ... (Read 73 times)

captainjonesify · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which action will the public health nurse take to reduce the incidence of epidemic encephalitis in a community?

a. Encourage the use of effective insect re-pellents during mosquito season.
b. Remind patients that most cases of viral encephalitis can be cared for at home.
c. Teach about the importance of prophylac-tic antibiotics after exposure to encephali-tis.
d. Arrange for screening of school-age chil-dren for West Nile virus during the school year.

Question 2

A patient with possible viral meningitis is admitted to the nursing unit after lumbar puncture was performed in the emergency department. Which action prescribed by the health care provider should the nurse question?

a. Elevate the head of the bed 20 degrees.
b. Restrict oral fluids to 1000 mL daily.
c. Administer ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 1 g IV every 12 hours.
d. Give ibuprofen (Motrin) 400 mg every 6 hours as needed for headache.

meganlapinski · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Epidemic encephalitis is usually spread by mosquitoes and ticks. Use of insect repellent is effec-tive in reducing risk. Encephalitis frequently requires that the patient be hospitalized in an inten-sive care unit during the initial stages. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not used to prevent encephalitis because most encephalitis is viral. West Nile virus is most common in adults over age 50 during the summer and early fall.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The patient with meningitis has increased fluid needs, so oral fluids should be encouraged. The other actions are appropriate. Slight elevation of the head of the bed will decrease headache without causing leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the lumbar puncture site. Antibiotics should be administered until bacterial meningitis is ruled out by the cerebrospinal fluid analysis.