Question

A nurse and an assistive personnel are caring for a client who has bacterial meningitis. The nurse should give the AP which of the following instructions?

a) Administer pain medication as needed
b) Encourage deep breathing exercises
c) Monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure
d) Assist with activities of daily living

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the assistive personnel to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure when caring for a client with bacterial meningitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should give the assistive personnel the instruction to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure when caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. Increased intracranial pressure is a serious complication of meningitis that can lead to neurological deterioration or even death. By closely monitoring for signs such as severe headache, changes in level of consciousness, or altered vital signs, the assistive personnel can help identify and report any changes to the nurse promptly, allowing for appropriate interventions and preventing potential complications.