A patient's laboratory test results following lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicate an elevated white blood cell (WBC)count with a predominance of neutrophils.Which of the following conditions should the nurse most suspect in this patient?
A)Bacterial meningitis
B)Viral meningitis
C)Parasitic meningitis
D)Fungal meningitis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An elevated WBC count with a predominance of neutrophils is commonly seen in bacterial meningitis, which is an infection caused by bacteria in the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord). Viral meningitis usually presents with a higher WBC count, but with a predominance of lymphocytes. Parasitic and fungal meningitis are less common and usually present with a different constellation of symptoms and laboratory findings.

A Patient's Laboratory Test Results Following Lumbar Puncture for Cerebrospinal