A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected meningitis. Which diagnostic procedure should the nurse expect to be performed to confirm the diagnosis?
A.
Blood culture.
B.
Urinalysis.
C.
Lumbar puncture and CSF analysis.
D.
Chest X-ray.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Lumbar puncture and CSF analysis.
Explanation:
When meningitis is suspected, a lumbar puncture (LP) is the key diagnostic procedure used to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the lumbar region of the spine to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. By analyzing this fluid, healthcare providers can determine whether there is an infection and identify the specific pathogen causing it.
Rationale for Choosing Lumbar Puncture:
- Direct Analysis of CSF: A lumbar puncture allows direct access to the CSF, enabling the analysis of its contents. The CSF can be tested for white blood cell count, protein levels, and glucose concentration, which are critical in differentiating between bacterial, viral, and other types of meningitis. Typically, bacterial meningitis is characterized by elevated white blood cell counts, particularly neutrophils, low glucose levels, and elevated protein levels.
- Rapid Diagnosis: The results from CSF analysis can often be obtained relatively quickly, which is crucial in the management of suspected meningitis. Prompt diagnosis allows for timely initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy, which is vital in improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.
- Differentiation from Other Conditions: While blood cultures (option A) are useful for identifying systemic infections and may be positive in cases of meningitis, they do not provide the specific information about the CSF that is necessary to confirm meningitis. Urinalysis (option B) and chest X-rays (option D) are not appropriate for diagnosing meningitis and would not provide relevant information regarding the central nervous system infection.
In summary, lumbar puncture and subsequent CSF analysis are the gold standard for diagnosing meningitis, providing essential information for effective treatment.