Question

A 6-year-old boy presents with a high fever a headache, and a stiff neck. He is conscious, but is not acting as a normal 6-year-old boy should. His mother told you that he vomited once before your arrival. You should be MOST concerned with:

Answer 1

A 6-year-old boy with symptoms of high fever, headache, stiff neck, and vomiting should be evaluated for meningitis, which is a serious infection of the brain and spinal membranes requiring urgent medical care.

Step-by-step explanation:

You should be most concerned with the possibility of meningitis, given the combination of high fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and the child not acting normally. These symptoms are especially concerning in pediatric patients and can signify a serious infection. It is critical to seek medical attention promptly as meningitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment, which may include antibiotics for bacterial cases.

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and can lead to severe health complications if not treated promptly. The condition is characterized by a fever, headache, and stiff neck, with additional signs including nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), confusion, and in more severe cases, altered consciousness. While some forms of meningitis, such as viral meningitis, may resolve on their own, bacterial meningitis is particularly severe and requires urgent medical attention.