A nurse is caring for a client suspected of having meningitis. What is the most important laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis?
Blood culture.
Throat swab.
Lumbar puncture.
Computed tomography scan.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
A blood culture is a test used to detect bacteria or other microorganisms in the bloodstream. While it can be helpful in diagnosing bacterial infections, it is not the most important test for confirming meningitis. The presence of bacteria in the blood does not necessarily confirm meningitis, as the infection may not have spread to the bloodstream yet.
Choice B rationale:
A throat swab is used to collect samples from the throat to identify infections such as strep throat. While throat infections can sometimes lead to complications like meningitis, a throat swab is not the most important test for confirming the diagnosis of meningitis. The infection may not be present in the throat, and direct examination of cerebrospinal fluid is necessary to confirm meningitis.
Choice C rationale:
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is the most important laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis of meningitis. It involves collecting a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the space around the spinal cord and brain. Analysis of the CSF can reveal the presence of bacteria or other pathogens, increased white blood cells, and other indicators of meningitis.
Choice D rationale:
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. While it can help identify structural abnormalities in the brain, such as bleeding or tumors, it is not the primary test for confirming meningitis. CT scans may show signs of inflammation, but they cannot definitively diagnose meningitis or distinguish between bacterial, viral, or fungal causes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Ingestion of contaminated water is the primary mode of transmission for certain gastrointestinal infections, such as viral gastroenteritis, but it is not the main route for viral meningitis transmission.
Choice B rationale:
Mosquito or tick bites are associated with the transmission of various vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and others. However, they are not the primary mode of transmission for viral meningitis.
Choice C rationale:
Direct contact with respiratory droplets or saliva from an infected person is the most common mode of transmission for viral meningitis. Viruses causing meningitis, such as enteroviruses, are often present in respiratory secretions and saliva.
Choice D rationale:
Inhalation of fungal spores is related to the transmission of certain fungal infections, such as aspergillosis or histoplasmosis, but it is not the primary mode of transmission for viral meningitis.
Choice E rationale:
Contact with contaminated soil is not a typical mode of transmission for viral meningitis. It might be relevant for some soil-transmitted infections but not for viral meningitis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Nuchal rigidity (stiff neck) is a classic symptom of meningitis, but it is not particularly concerning in older adults as it is in younger individuals. Older adults may have a less pronounced neck stiffness due to age-related changes.
Choice B rationale:
Rash can be a symptom of certain types of meningitis, such as meningococcal meningitis, but it is not specific to older adults. Moreover, older adults may not exhibit a rash even in cases of meningococcal meningitis.
Choice C rationale:
Irritability is a vague symptom and may not be specific to meningitis in older adults. It can be caused by various factors and does not raise significant concern for meningitis.
Choice D rationale:
Altered mental status, such as confusion, delirium, or decreased level of consciousness, is particularly concerning in older adults with suspected meningitis. Older adults may not always present with classic symptoms like neck stiffness, and altered mental status may be the primary indicator of central nervous system involvement.
Choice E rationale:
Photophobia is a common symptom of meningitis, but it is not specific to older adults. It may be present in both younger and older patients with meningitis.
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