A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected meningitis. Which diagnostic procedure should the nurse expect to be performed to confirm the diagnosis?

Choice D rationale:

Viral meningitis is usually transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets. It can also be spread through contact with fecal matter and other body fluids. In contrast, bacterial meningitis has multiple routes of transmission, including respiratory droplets, direct contact, and contaminated food or water.

Choice A rationale:

Ingestion of raw or undercooked snails or slugs is associated with a parasitic infection called "rat lungworm" and not viral meningitis.

Choice B rationale:

While the infected person can act as a vector for the spread of viral meningitis, the primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets and not the human body itself. The reservoir for viral meningitis is often human carriers, but it can also exist in other animals or environmental sources.

Choice C rationale:

Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae are bacterial pathogens that can cause bacterial meningitis, not viral meningitis.

Choice E rationale:

Viral meningitis is not caused by a fungus, and environmental sources are not the reservoirs for viral meningitis transmission. It is mainly transmitted from person to person.

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.