The nurse is planning care for a preschool-age child diagnosed ...

[torybrooks]

The nurse is planning care for a preschool-age child diagnosed with meningitis. What should the nurse identify as a priority goal for this patient's care?
 
  A) Inspect the teeth for obvious caries.
  B) Reduce the pain related to nuchal rigidity.
  C) Provide an opportunity for therapeutic play.
  D) Increase stimulation opportunities to prevent coma.

Question 2

The nurse is performing an admission of a 10-year-old boy. Which of the following actions will help the nurse establish a trusting and caring relationship with the child and his family? Select all answers that apply.
 
  A) The nurse should not minimize the child's fears by smiling.
  B) The nurse should initiate introductions.
  C) The nurse should not use formal titles at the introduction.
  D) The nurse should maintain eye contact at the appropriate level.
  E) The nurse should start communication with the child first and then move on to the family.
  F) The nurse should use age-appropriate communication with the child.

[raenoj]

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Meningitis is an infection of the cerebral meninges. Pathologic organisms spread to the meninges. Once organisms enter the meningeal space, they multiply rapidly and then spread throughout the CSF to invade brain tissue through the meningeal folds, which extend down into the brain itself. A child with meningitis usually has an upper respiratory tract infection prior to the development of meningitis. Then the child will become increasingly irritable because of an intense headache with sharp pain when bending the head forward. Reducing the pain caused by neck pain would be the priority goal for this patient's care. Inspecting the teeth, providing opportunities for play, and increasing stimulation would not be priority goals for this patient.

Answer to Question 2

B, D, F
Feedback:
Regardless of the site of care, nursing care must begin by establishing a trusting, caring relationship with the child and family. The nurse should smile, start introductions, give his or her title, and let the child and family know what will happen and what is expected of them. The nurse should also maintain eye contact at the appropriate level, communicate with children at age-appropriate levels, and, with a younger child, start with the family first so the child can see that the family trusts you.