A client is diagnosed with viral meningitis. What is the appropriate treatment for this client?

Choice A rationale:

Antibiotic therapy for the family members is not the most appropriate preventive measure for Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. While antibiotics are used to treat the infection, providing antibiotic therapy to family members does not prevent the spread of the bacteria to others.

Choice B rationale:

Prophylaxis for the patient's close contacts is the recommended preventive measure for Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. Close contacts of a patient with this type of meningitis, such as household members and daycare contacts, are at an increased risk of contracting the disease. Administering prophylactic antibiotics to these individuals can help prevent the transmission of the bacteria and reduce the likelihood of developing the infection.

Choice C rationale:

Hygiene education for school staff and students is not directly related to preventing the spread of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. While hygiene education is essential for preventing the spread of infections in general, it is not specific to this particular type of meningitis.

Choice D rationale:

Outbreak management protocols for the community may be necessary if there is an outbreak of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. However, this choice does not address the immediate preventive measure needed for the diagnosed pediatric patient and their close contacts.

Choice E rationale:

Vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis is not directly relevant to preventing Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. These are two different types of bacteria that cause different forms of meningitis, and vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis would not protect against Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis.

Choice A rationale:

Intravenous antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis, not viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is caused by viruses and does not respond to antibiotics.

Choice B rationale:

Antifungal drugs are used to treat fungal meningitis, not viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is caused by viruses, not fungi.

Choice C rationale:

Supportive care is the appropriate treatment for viral meningitis. Since viral meningitis is usually self-limiting and does not respond to specific antiviral medications, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive measures to help the client recover.

Choice D rationale:

Prophylactic corticosteroids may be used in certain cases of bacterial meningitis to reduce inflammation and prevent complications, but they are not indicated for the treatment of viral meningitis.