Meningitis

Meningitis ( 24 Questions)

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


Correct Answer: B

Choice A rationale:

If the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were normal, it would have clear and colorless appearance. Pink-colored CSF indicates the presence of an abnormality, ruling out the normal CSF as an option.

Choice B rationale:

The pink color of the CSF suggests blood contamination, which can occur during the lumbar puncture procedure. The presence of blood can alter the CSF composition and lead to false interpretations of laboratory results.

Choice C rationale:

Bacterial infection may present with cloudy or purulent CSF, but it is not specifically associated with pink-colored CSF. Other signs, such as elevated white blood cell count and elevated protein levels, would be more indicative of a bacterial infection.

Choice D rationale:

Dehydration does not typically cause pink-colored CSF. Dehydration may lead to a higher concentration of solutes in the CSF, but it does not affect its coloration.




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