The adolescent patient has symptoms of meningitis: nuchal rigidity, fever, vomiting, and lethargy. The nurse knows to prepare for the following test:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms described (nuchal rigidity, fever, vomiting, and lethargy) suggest possible meningitis, which is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. One of the key diagnostic tests for meningitis is a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. During a lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is collected from the space around the spinal cord and analyzed for signs of infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities. This test helps confirm or rule out a diagnosis of meningitis and identify the specific infectious agent causing the illness. Other tests, such as blood cultures, may also be done to further evaluate the infection, but a lumbar puncture is essential for diagnosing meningitis in this case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the hip joint does not properly form in babies and young children. To assess for DDH, healthcare professionals like Nurse Kevin utilize the Ortolani test. Ortolani's sign is a physical exam maneuver where the healthcare provider will gently manipulate the baby's hips to detect if there is a dislocated hip joint. Specifically, the Ortolani maneuver checks for the presence of a "clunk" as the femoral head relocates into the acetabulum, indicating that the hip joint is dislocated. Therefore, during the assessment of a newborn for DDH, Nurse Kevin would expect to assess for Ortolani's sign as it helps in the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth is a characteristic sign of Hirschsprung's disease. This condition is a congenital disorder in which there is a lack of ganglion cells in certain portions of the large intestine. As a result, the affected segment of the bowel is unable to relax and pass stool, leading to the accumulation of meconium in the intestine. This condition can present with symptoms such as abdominal distension, constipation, and failure to pass stool. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as bowel perforation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Beta-adrenergic agonists like albuterol primarily work by relaxing and dilating the bronchioles, which are the smaller airways in the lungs. This leads to quick relief of asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. By opening up the airways, these medications help improve airflow and make it easier for the individual to breathe. Beta-adrenergic agonists do not directly reduce airway inflammation, but they do provide immediate relief during an asthma attack by targeting bronchoconstriction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Microcytic, hypochromic anemia is characterized by small red blood cells with decreased hemoglobin content. Iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia are the two main types of anemia that present with these characteristics. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the body, which is essential for the production of hemoglobin. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that results in decreased production of normal hemoglobin. Both conditions lead to small, pale red blood cells, fitting the description of microcytic, hypochromic anemia. Other choices such as Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (choice A), folic acid deficiency anemia (choice B), sickle cell anemia (choice D), and anemia of chronic disease (choice D) typically present as normocytic or macrocytic anemias.