Author Question: A lumbar puncture (LP) is being done on an infant with suspected meningitis. The nurse expects which ... (Read 46 times)

newyorker26

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 536
A lumbar puncture (LP) is being done on an infant with suspected meningitis. The nurse expects which results for the cerebrospinal fluid that can confirm the diagnosis of meningitis?
 
  a. WBCs; glucose
  b. RBCs; normal WBCs
  c. glucose; normal RBCs
  d. Normal RBCs; normal glucose

Question 2

A 23-month-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of meningitis. She is lethargic and very irritable with a temperature of 102 F. What should the nurse's care plan include?
 
  a. Observing the child's voluntary movement
  b. Checking the Babinski reflex every 4 hours
  c. Checking the Brudzinski reflex every 1 hour
  d. Assessing the level of consciousness (LOC) and vital signs every 2 hours



Pswine

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 328
Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
A lumbar puncture is the definitive diagnostic test. The fluid pressure is measured and samples are obtained for culture, Gram stain, blood cell count, and determination of glucose and protein content. The findings are usually diagnostic. The patient generally has an elevated white blood cell count, often predominantly polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The glucose level is reduced, generally in proportion to the duration and severity of the infection.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Observation of vital signs, neurologic signs, LOC, urinary output, and other pertinent data is carried out at frequent intervals on a child with meningitis. The nurse should avoid actions that cause pain or increase discomfort, such as lifting the child's head, so the Brudzinski reflex should not be checked hourly. Checking the Babinski reflex or child's voluntary movements will not help with assessing the child's status.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

An identified risk factor for osteoporosis is the intake of excessive amounts of vitamin A. Dietary intake of approximately double the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, by women, has been shown to reduce bone mineral density and increase the chances for hip fractures compared with women who consumed the recommended daily amount (or less) of vitamin A.

Did you know?

Thyroid conditions may make getting pregnant impossible.

Did you know?

In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function, such as in acute kidney (renal) failure.

Did you know?

Most women experience menopause in their 50s. However, in 1994, an Italian woman gave birth to a baby boy when she was 61 years old.

Did you know?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was originally known as the Communicable Disease Center, which was formed to fight malaria. It was originally headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, since the Southern states faced the worst threat from malaria.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library