Meningitis

Meningitis ( 24 Questions)

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


Correct Answer: C

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.




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