Question

When interviewing the parents of a 2-year-old child, a history of which of the following illnesses should lead the nurse to suspect pneumococcal meningitis?

1) Influenza
2) Chickenpox
3) Measles
4) Pneumonia

Answer 1

A history of pneumonia should raise suspicion for pneumococcal meningitis in a 2-year-old child, especially since Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of meningitis post-introduction of the Hib vaccine.

Step-by-step explanation:

When interviewing the parents of a 2-year-old child to suspect pneumococcal meningitis, a history of pneumonia should be particularly noted. Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is now the leading cause of meningitis in children aged 2 months through adulthood, particularly after the introduction of the Hib vaccine made Haemophilus influenzae Type b meningitis uncommon. While bacterial pneumonia can be caused by different pathogens, a history of pneumonia may be relevant because pneumococcal bacteria can also lead to meningitis.

It is important to distinguish between different types of pneumonia and illnesses since they can have different implications for meningitis risk. Influenza, chickenpox (varicella), and measles are primarily viral infections, which are less commonly associated with bacterial meningitis. However, if pneumococcal bacteria were the cause of the child's pneumonia, there could be a heightened suspicion for pneumococcal meningitis.