A patient is being tested for bacterial meningitis. Which finding would the nurse evaluate as supporting that diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bacterial meningitis often results in a cloudy, or turbid, appearance of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to the presence of white blood cells and bacteria. A negative glucose level in the CSF can also be a sign of bacterial meningitis, but it is not enough to make a definitive diagnosis. CSF sodium and potassium levels may be affected by a number of factors and do not have a direct correlation with meningitis.

A Patient Is Being Tested for Bacterial Meningitis