You respond to an ill patient. Upon your arrival, the patient's caregivers state that the patient has been complaining of lethargy, vomiting, and nuchal rigidity. You suspect:

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lethargy, vomiting, and nuchal rigidity are all signs and symptoms of meningitis, a serious bacterial infection of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Pertussis is a respiratory infection that typically presents with a persistent cough, while varicella (chickenpox) usually causes fever and a typical rash. Pneumonia may present with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, but would not typically cause nuchal rigidity.

You Respond to an Ill Patient