{"id":141248,"date":"2024-09-20T14:51:57","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T14:51:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/learnexams.com\/blog\/?p=141248"},"modified":"2024-09-20T14:52:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T14:52:00","slug":"a-nurse-in-an-emergency-department-receives-a-client-who-has-a-temperature-of-39-1-c-102-4-f-and-a-suspected-diagnosis-of-bacterial-meningitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnexams.com\/blog\/2024\/09\/20\/a-nurse-in-an-emergency-department-receives-a-client-who-has-a-temperature-of-39-1-c-102-4-f-and-a-suspected-diagnosis-of-bacterial-meningitis\/","title":{"rendered":"A nurse in an emergency department receives a client who has a temperature of 39.1\u00b0 C (102.4 F) and a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A nurse in an emergency department receives a client who has a temperature of 39.1\u00b0 C (102.4 F) and a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A.
Prepare the client for a lumbar puncture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B.
Insert an IV catheter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C.
Initiate isolation precautions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D.
Administer an antipyretic to the client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The correct answer is C. Initiate isolation precautions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial meningitis is a serious and contagious infection that can spread quickly through respiratory droplets, especially in the early stages. The causative agents, such as Neisseria meningitidis<\/em> or Streptococcus pneumoniae<\/em>, can be transmitted to others in close contact with the infected individual. For this reason, initiating isolation precautions is a priority to prevent the spread of the infection to healthcare workers and other patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isolation precautions for bacterial meningitis typically involve droplet precautions, which include wearing masks, practicing hand hygiene, and ensuring the client is in a private room. By initiating these precautions first, the nurse reduces the risk of transmission. This is an urgent safety measure not only for the healthcare team but also for other patients and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While other actions such as preparing for a lumbar puncture (Option A), inserting an IV catheter (Option B), and administering an antipyretic (Option D) are important in managing the client’s condition, they are not the first priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n