A patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is noted to have a protein level of 52 mg/dL and a glucose level of 28 mg/dL (serum glucose level 82 mg/dL). Additionally, there is an abundance (>1,000 cells/mL) of polymorphonucleocytes (PMNs) present but no erythrocytes. How does the nurse interpret these results?

The patient has bacterial meningitis. This patient CSF findings consistent with bacterial meningitis, an elevated protein level (greater than 45 mg/dL), a low CSF glucose level in the presence of normal serum glucose level, and an abundance of PMNs points to bacterial meningitis. Fungal and viral meningitis generally presents with predominantly lymphocytes in the CSF cell differential. Viral meningitis generally has a normal CSF glucose level. Since there are no erythrocytes, these results do not indicate a traumatic tap. (Traumatic tap which means the needle caused excessive trauma and bleeding at the point of insertion)

A patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is noted to have a pr...

NCLEX Practice
Categories
Reduction of Risk Potential
View Question

Category: Reduction of Risk Potential
Difficulty: 7

Topics: Neurology

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Additional Reduction of Risk Potential Questions

The nurse anticipates which symptom in the patient newly diagnosed with Graves' disease?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 2

The nurse is testing the patient’s eyes for accommodation by holding a finger in front of the eyes and asking the patient to look at a point over the nurse’s shoulder then look at the finger. The nurse documents which bilateral response as normal?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 4

The nurse notes the fetal heart rate (FHR) monitor is reflecting variable decelerations. Which action does the nurse take first?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 8

Show Calculator

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Rationale

Additional Reduction of Risk Potential Questions

Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees

NCLEX