A nurse is providing education on meningococcal meningitis prevention. Which statement by the nurse is accurate?

Choice A rationale:

Administering intravenous fluids is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client with meningitis. Meningitis can cause dehydration due to fever, decreased oral intake, and increased fluid loss. IV fluids help maintain hydration and prevent complications.

Choice B rationale:

Applying warm compresses to the forehead is not a standard nursing intervention for meningitis. Fever is a common symptom of meningitis, and while comfort measures may be used to manage fever, warm compresses on the forehead are not specific to meningitis and may not be well-tolerated by some patients.

Choice C rationale:

Providing dim lighting and minimizing noise are appropriate nursing interventions for a client with meningitis. Meningitis can cause sensitivity to light and sound, and creating a calm and quiet environment can help reduce discomfort and promote healing.

Choice D rationale:

Giving prophylactic antibiotics is an appropriate nursing intervention for bacterial meningitis. Once the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is confirmed or suspected, antibiotics should be initiated promptly to control the infection and prevent complications.

Choice E rationale:

Monitoring vital signs and neurological status is crucial for a client with meningitis. Vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure should be closely monitored to assess for any signs of worsening condition or complications. Neurological assessments help identify changes in the client's mental status, reflexes, and cranial nerve function.

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. A lumbar puncture involves the insertion of a needle, not a catheter, into the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) It is not done in blood vessels.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is accurate. A lumbar puncture is performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. It helps to diagnose and differentiate between bacterial and viral meningitis based on CSF characteristics, such as cell count, glucose levels, and presence of bacteria or viruses.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. A lumbar puncture is uncomfortable but is typically not an extremely painful procedure. It is often done with local anesthesia, and the discomfort is usually temporary.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect. During a lumbar puncture, the patient is usually asked to curl up in a fetal position, bringing the knees close to the chest and the chin to the chest. This position helps to widen the spaces between the spinal bones, making it easier for the healthcare provider to insert the needle into the subarachnoid space. It does not involve bending the neck forward.