A nurse is providing care to a pediatric patient diagnosed with Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. Which additional preventive measure should the nurse recommend?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Antibiotic therapy for the family members is not the most appropriate preventive measure for Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. While antibiotics are used to treat the infection, providing antibiotic therapy to family members does not prevent the spread of the bacteria to others.

Choice B rationale:

Prophylaxis for the patient's close contacts is the recommended preventive measure for Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. Close contacts of a patient with this type of meningitis, such as household members and daycare contacts, are at an increased risk of contracting the disease. Administering prophylactic antibiotics to these individuals can help prevent the transmission of the bacteria and reduce the likelihood of developing the infection.

Choice C rationale:

Hygiene education for school staff and students is not directly related to preventing the spread of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. While hygiene education is essential for preventing the spread of infections in general, it is not specific to this particular type of meningitis.

Choice D rationale:

Outbreak management protocols for the community may be necessary if there is an outbreak of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. However, this choice does not address the immediate preventive measure needed for the diagnosed pediatric patient and their close contacts.

Choice E rationale:

Vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis is not directly relevant to preventing Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. These are two different types of bacteria that cause different forms of meningitis, and vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis would not protect against Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis.