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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

In a temperate region during summer, viral meningitis is more likely to be prevalent in the population. Viral meningitis is most commonly caused by enteroviruses, and these infections tend to be more common in the summer and early fall. Enteroviruses thrive in warm and humid conditions, contributing to the seasonal variation in viral meningitis cases.

Choice B rationale:

Bacterial meningitis can occur throughout the year and is not specifically associated with summer or temperate regions. Bacterial meningitis can result from various bacterial pathogens and is usually a more severe and life-threatening form of meningitis compared to viral meningitis.

Choice C rationale:

Fungal meningitis is not typically associated with temperate regions during the summer. Fungal meningitis is more commonly seen in individuals with compromised immune systems or in specific geographic regions with a higher prevalence of fungal infections.

Choice D rationale:

Parasitic meningitis is not prevalent in temperate regions during the summer. Parasitic meningitis is rare and is usually associated with specific parasitic infections, such as those caused by Naegleria fowleri or Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which are typically found in tropical or subtropical regions.

A. "Based on your symptoms, it is likely that you have viral meningitis.” B. "Your symptoms indicate that you might be suffering from bacterial meningitis.” C. "I think you might have fungal meningitis due to your chronic symptoms.” D. "It is possible that you have parasitic meningitis, given your exposure to contaminated water.” E. "Your symptoms suggest that you have meningococcal septicemia.”

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.

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A nurse is caring for a client suspected of having meningitis. What is the most important laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a group of patients in a temperate region during summer. Which type of meningitis is more likely to be prevalent in this population?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with suspected meningitis presents with fever, headache, stiff neck, and photophobia. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate for this situation?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which of the following statements about meningitis prevention is accurate?

What is the primary mode of transmission for viral meningitis?

What is the most common and severe type of meningitis in infants and children?

A client is admitted with suspected meningitis, and the healthcare provider orders a lumbar puncture to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis. Which of the following statements is accurate regarding this procedure?

Which of the following nursing interventions is essential for preventing the spread of meningitis?

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?

A client with suspected meningitis presents with pink-colored cerebrospinal fluid during a lumbar puncture. What does this finding indicate?

A nurse is assessing an older adult patient for possible meningitis. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse be particularly concerned about in this age group?