Question

The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child suspected of having bacterial meningitis. What is the nurse's priority action?

1) Administer oxygen at 3 L/minute by nasal cannula.
2) Review the child's history and physical examination report.
3) Interview the child's parents about recent illnesses.
4) Evaluate the child's neurologic status.

Answer 1

The nurse's priority for a child suspected of having bacterial meningitis is to evaluate the child's neurologic status. This is essential for immediate treatment interventions and guiding further medical decisions, including the provision of empiric antibiotics and potential prophylactic measures for close contacts.

Step-by-step explanation:

In cases of suspected bacterial meningitis, the nurse's priority must be to evaluate the child's neurologic status. This involves assessing the child for signs of increased intracranial pressure, changes in consciousness, and other neurological changes which can rapidly progress in bacterial meningitis. If any abnormal findings are identified, immediate medical intervention is crucial. Because bacterial meningitis can deteriorate quickly, an accurate understanding of neurological function is fundamental for informing treatment decisions and potential prophylactic measures for those in close contact.

Administering oxygen and reviewing the child’s medical history are also important, but these steps follow after stabilization and initial assessment. An evaluation of the child’s neurological status could potentially save lives and prevent serious complications by allowing for timely medical interventions. Therefore, the nurse's priority action for a 2-year-old child suspected of having bacterial meningitis should be to evaluate the child's neurologic status.