Question

read the clinical scenario, and then answer the questions that follow. a 5 - year - old female is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with suspected meningitis. a lumbar puncture is performed by the physician and blood tests are sent to the laboratory as ordered. treatment is initiated by the team as final test results are pending. concept check 1. the rn assists in collection of the patients history from the parents. all of the following reported symptoms are characteristic of meningitis, except __________. decreased stimulation response headache low blood pressure. neck stiffness 2. laboratory results confirm the diagnosis of enteroviral meningitis. which of the following lab test results would the rn expect to see on the complete blood count and differential for this patient? abnormally low wbc count abnormally elevated neutrophils in differential wbc abnormally low percentage of lymphocytes in differential wbc abnormally elevated lymphocytes in differential wbc 3. which of the following statements by the patients parents indicates a proper understanding of the treatment plan and prognosis for viral meningitis? my child will require 2 or 3 days to recover from the infection my child will require rest and fluid administration my child will require a 14 - day course of antibiotic therapy my child will likely not recover from this infection

Explanation:

1. Symptoms of meningitis typically include decreased stimulation response, headache, and neck stiffness. Low - blood pressure is not a typical presenting symptom of meningitis.
2. In enteroviral meningitis, the body's immune response often leads to an elevation of lymphocytes in the differential white blood cell (WBC) count as the immune system fights the viral infection.
3. Viral meningitis is usually self - limiting and treatment often focuses on supportive care such as rest and fluid administration to help the body fight off the virus. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Recovery times can vary but are not as short as 2 - 3 days in most cases, and most patients do recover.

Answer:

1. C. low blood pressure
2. D. Abnormally elevated lymphocytes in differential WBC
3. B. My child will require rest and fluid administration