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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Viral meningitis is caused by viral infections and is more commonly seen in the summer and fall months rather than in tropical regions during winter.
Choice B rationale:
Bacterial meningitis is more common in tropical regions during the winter season. It is caused by bacterial infections and can be severe and life-threatening if not promptly treated. The colder weather in the winter may increase the transmission of bacteria responsible for causing meningitis.
Choice C rationale:
Fungal meningitis is not specifically associated with any particular season or region. It can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, but it is not more common in tropical regions during winter.
Choice D rationale:
Parasitic meningitis is primarily caused by parasites and is not typically associated with any specific season or region. It is a rare form of meningitis and is not more prevalent in tropical regions during winter.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
All types of meningitis cannot be prevented by vaccination. While vaccinations are available for certain types of bacterial and viral meningitis, they do not cover all possible pathogens that can cause the disease.
Choice B rationale:
Meningitis can be prevented through prophylaxis measures, but this statement is not entirely accurate. Prophylaxis may be given to close contacts of individuals with certain types of bacterial meningitis to prevent its spread, but it does not apply to all cases of meningitis.
Choice C rationale:
Infection control measures are effective in preventing meningitis outbreaks. This statement is incorrect as infection control measures are crucial in controlling the spread of infections, but they cannot entirely prevent all cases of meningitis.
Choice D rationale:
Hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper respiratory etiquette, play a significant role in preventing meningitis transmission. By reducing the spread of respiratory and oral pathogens, the risk of meningitis can be lowered. However, it is important to note that not all forms of meningitis are entirely preventable through hygiene practices alone, which is why vaccination remains a critical preventive measure for specific types of meningitis.
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