A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child admitted with suspected meningitis. Which of the following signs would the nurse expect to assess in this patient if bacterial meningitis is the cause?
Fever.
High-pitched cry.
Altered mental status.
Weight loss.
Stiff neck.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A rationale:
Fever is a common sign of meningitis, regardless of its cause. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as headache and irritability.
Choice B rationale:
A high-pitched cry is a classic sign of meningitis in infants and young children, especially in bacterial meningitis cases. The inflammation in the meninges can cause irritation of the central nervous system, leading to this specific cry.
Choice C rationale:
Altered mental status is a significant sign of meningitis, especially when bacterial pathogens are involved. It can range from lethargy and confusion to more severe manifestations like seizures and coma.
Choice D rationale:
Weight loss is not typically associated with meningitis. The condition usually presents with acute symptoms such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness, rather than chronic symptoms like weight loss.
Choice E rationale:
A stiff neck is a hallmark sign of meningitis, particularly in cases of bacterial meningitis. It is caused by the irritation and inflammation of the meninges surrounding the spinal cord.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is not appropriate because it assumes a specific diagnosis without further assessment or confirmation. Meningitis can be caused by various pathogens, so it's essential not to jump to conclusions based solely on symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is appropriate because the patient's symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck, and photophobia, are consistent with bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a severe infection that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is not appropriate because fungal meningitis typically presents differently and is more common in individuals with compromised immune systems. There is no evidence from the presented symptoms to suggest fungal meningitis.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is not appropriate because parasitic meningitis is very rare and typically associated with specific exposures or travel history. There is no information to support this as a likely cause of the client's symptoms.
Choice E rationale:
This statement is not appropriate because meningococcal septicemia is a different condition from meningitis. While both can be caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, septicemia is characterized by a bloodstream infection, while meningitis affects the meninges.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Bacterial meningitis is the most common and severe type of meningitis in infants and children. The causative bacteria can include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b, among others.
Choice B rationale:
Fungal meningitis is less common than bacterial meningitis and is usually associated with specific risk factors, such as immunosuppression or exposure to certain environmental fungi.
Choice C rationale:
Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis, but it is usually milder and often resolves without specific treatment. Enteroviruses are the most frequent cause of viral meningitis in infants and children.
Choice D rationale:
Parasitic meningitis is a rare form of the disease and is usually associated with specific parasites, such as the amoeba Naegleria fowleri or the parasite Trypanosoma.
Choice E rationale:
Meningitis of unknown origin refers to cases where the cause of meningitis remains unidentified after thorough investigations. It is not a specific type of meningitis but rather a descriptive term for cases with uncertain etiology.
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