Physiological Adaptation Q 96

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You have just admitted a patient with bacterial meningitis to the medical-surgical unit. The patient complains of a severe headache with photophobia and has a temperature of 102.60 F orally. Which collaborative intervention must be accomplished first?

  

     A. Administer codeine 15 mg orally for the patient’s headache.

     B. Infuse ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 2000 mg IV to treat the infection.

     C. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg orally to reduce the fever.

     D. Give furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV to decrease intracranial pressure.

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Infuse ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 2000 mg IV to treat the infection.

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Untreated bacterial meningitis has a mortality rate approaching 100%, so rapid antibiotic treatment is essential.

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Option A: Pain medications may be given after treating the infection that is most probably causing it.

Option C: Acetaminophen should be given to decrease the fever after administering the antibiotics first.

Option D: Furosemide will help reduce CNS stimulation and irritation and should be implemented as soon as possible.

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