Question

A patient is experiencing a high fever, stiff neck, drowsiness, and intense headaches. A spinal tap showed bacteria and white blood cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This individual most likely has what condition?

Answer 1

The patient most likely has bacterial meningitis, an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, drowsiness, and intense headaches. A spinal tap is used to confirm the diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient in question most likely has bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms such as high fever, stiff neck, drowsiness, and intense headaches are common indicators of meningitis. A spinal tap, which showed bacteria and white blood cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is used to confirm the diagnosis.