A nurse practitioner is seeing a client in the clinic with a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. What should the nurse anticipate as the priority action?

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ATI Pathophysiology Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 5

A nurse practitioner is seeing a client in the clinic with a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. What should the nurse anticipate as the priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the first dose of antibiotics immediately after blood cultures are drawn for suspected bacterial meningitis. This is crucial to initiate treatment promptly and improve patient outcomes. Starting an IV line and administering corticosteroids (Choice B) may be part of the treatment plan but administering antibiotics is the priority. Isolating the client (Choice C) is important to prevent the spread of infection but not the priority over initiating antibiotic therapy. Performing a lumbar puncture (Choice D) may confirm the diagnosis, but treatment should not be delayed for this step in suspected cases of bacterial meningitis.

Question 2 of 5

A client with chronic bronchitis is receiving education from a healthcare provider about the condition. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because limiting fluid intake is not recommended for chronic bronchitis. Hydration is essential as it helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. Choices A, B, and D are all correct statements for managing chronic bronchitis. Avoiding exposure to smoke, pollutants, and irritants can help reduce respiratory symptoms and exacerbations. Using the inhaler regularly, even in the absence of symptoms, is crucial for controlling inflammation and maintaining airway function.

Question 3 of 5

A client is admitted with a suspected aortic dissection. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare the client for emergency surgery. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency that often necessitates immediate surgical intervention to prevent rupture and further complications. Administering antihypertensive medications (choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority over surgical intervention. While maintaining blood pressure with intravenous fluids (choice C) is important, the urgent need for surgery takes precedence. Monitoring urine output (choice D) is essential for assessing renal function but is not the priority in this critical situation.

Question 4 of 5

DiGeorge syndrome is a primary immune deficiency caused by:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: DiGeorge syndrome is caused by a congenital lack of thymic tissue, which plays a crucial role in T cell development and maturation, leading to immune deficiency. Choice A is incorrect because DiGeorge syndrome primarily affects T cells, not B cells. Choice C is incorrect as it is too broad and not specific to the thymus. Choice D is incorrect as selective IgG deficiency is a different condition unrelated to DiGeorge syndrome.

Question 5 of 5

A staff member asks what leukocytosis means. How should the nurse respond? Leukocytosis can be defined as:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Leukocytosis refers to an abnormally high leukocyte count. This condition is characterized by an elevated number of white blood cells in the bloodstream. Choice A is incorrect because leukocytosis does not refer to a normal leukocyte count. Choice C is incorrect as leukocytosis is not related to a low leukocyte count. Choice D is incorrect as leukopenia is the opposite of leukocytosis, indicating a low white blood cell count.

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