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

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.

Choice A rationale:

Blood culture is not the appropriate diagnostic procedure for confirming meningitis. While blood cultures can identify bacteria or other pathogens in the bloodstream, it may not directly confirm meningitis, as the infection is primarily located in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Choice B rationale:

Urinalysis is not the appropriate diagnostic procedure for confirming meningitis. Urinalysis helps in detecting urinary tract infections or kidney-related issues, but it does not provide relevant information about meningitis.

Choice C rationale:

Lumbar puncture and CSF analysis are essential in diagnosing meningitis. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the spinal canal to collect a sample of CSF, which is then analyzed for signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cell count, increased protein levels, and the presence of bacteria or viruses. It helps differentiate between bacterial, viral, or fungal causes and guides appropriate treatment.

Choice D rationale:

A chest X-ray is not directly related to diagnosing meningitis. It is used to evaluate lung and heart conditions, making it irrelevant in confirming meningitis.