Question

What symptoms should be observed for in a patient with meningitis, and what are the key indicators?

a) Headache, stiff neck, and increasing temperature
b) Chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough
c) Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea
d) Joint pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue

Answer 1

The key symptoms of meningitis include headache, stiff neck, fever, confusion, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. It can lead to severe neurological consequences and requires immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The key indicators of meningitis to be observed in a patient include headache, stiff neck, and an increasing temperature. Additional symptoms such as confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises are also notable. In young children, symptoms may present as irritability, drowsiness, or poor feeding. Neurological symptoms are particularly important as meningitis can lead to damage to peripheral structures due to the inflammation of the meninges, with common consequences like hearing loss. In severe cases, systemic inflammatory response may result in conditions like shock, convulsions, coma, and even death. Therefore, prompt medical attention is crucial when these symptoms are observed.