Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
Amanda is a 20-year-old college student who lives on campus. Her roommate brought her into your emergency room, because Amanda is not acting like herself. She was previously healthy, very involved in campus politics, and a 4.0 student. About 2 weeks ago, she started not feeling well. She had bad nasal congestion, and was diagnosed with a sinus infection. However, she decided against taking antibiotics because she did not believe they were good for her. She started getting very high fevers, which Amanda told her roommate were good because they were killing the infection. Yesterday, she started complaining of a stiff neck, and today she seems especially lethargic with a fever of 105. Her roommate was scared, so she forced her into her car and has driven her to your ICU.
-What is the most likely diagnosis for Amanda?

Question

Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
 Amanda is a 20-year-old college student who lives on campus. Her roommate brought her into your emergency room, because Amanda is not acting like herself. She was previously healthy, very involved in campus politics, and a 4.0 student. About 2 weeks ago, she started not feeling well. She had bad nasal congestion, and was diagnosed with a sinus infection. However, she decided against taking antibiotics because she did not believe they were good for her. She started getting very high fevers, which Amanda told her roommate were good because they were killing the infection. Yesterday, she started complaining of a stiff neck, and today she seems especially lethargic with a fever of 105. Her roommate was scared, so she forced her into her car and has driven her to your ICU. 
-What is the most likely diagnosis for Amanda?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of stiff neck, lethargy, and high fever are most consistent with meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention. Prolonged sinus infection, tumor of the cervical spine, and necrotizing encephalitis are not as likely based on the presented symptoms.

Please Read the Clinical Scenario, and Then Answer the Question