Author Question: A parent asks the nurse to explain what causes encephalitis, because a child in the neighborhood has ... (Read 178 times)

dollx · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

A parent asks the nurse to explain what causes encephalitis, because a child in the neighborhood has come down with it. Which of the following answers by the nurse would be most accurate?

a. It is caused by a specific type of fly often found in and near horse barns.
b. Mosquito bites are the usual cause and call for the neighborhood to request spraying and draining of stagnant water sources.
c. After the neonatal period it is usually caused by a virus, most commonly herpes type I, herpes simplex, but can be caused by other organisms.
d. Cat scratch fever has become one of the major causes of encephalitis, so be sure your child does not play with any of the neighborhood cats.

Question 2

A nurse is sitting with a family who has just heard some upsetting news about their child's prognosis. The nurse sits with the family in silence. The nurse's silence is best interpreted as:

a. not knowing what to say
b. fear of saying the wrong thing
c. respect, concern, and a desire to comfort the caregivers
d. waiting for the family to speak and tell the nurse what they need

vickybb89 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C

Feedback
A Incorrect. Encephalitis is not caused by a specific type of fly often found in and near horse barns. Most infections are caused by viruses.
B Incorrect. Encephalitis can be caused by mosquitoes, but it is not the usual cause.
C Correct. Encephalitis can be caused by direct invasion of the CNS by a virus or postinfectious involvement of the CNS after a viral disease. After the neonatal period it is usually caused by a virus, most commonly herpes type I, herpes simplex, but can be caused by other organisms, such as bacteria, spirochetes, fungi, and protozoa.
D Incorrect. Cat scratch fever can cause encephalitis, but it is not the major cause. It usually follows the scratch or bite of a cat or kitten and is caused by bacteria.

Answer to Question 2

C

Feedback
A Incorrect. After receipt of some upsetting news about their child's prognosis, the nurse sitting with the family in silence is not best interpreted as not knowing what to say.
B Incorrect. After receipt of some upsetting news about their child's prognosis, the nurse sitting with the family in silence is not best interpreted as fear of saying the wrong thing.
C Correct. Silence may demonstrate comfort, respect, and concern as then a nurse sits with parents after upsetting news is heard.
D Incorrect. After receipt of some upsetting news about their child's prognosis, the nurse sitting with the family in silence is not best interpreted as the nurse if waiting for the family to speak and tell the nurse what they need.