When assessing a 53-year-old patient with bacterial meningitis, the nurse obtains the following data. Which finding should be reported immediately to the health care provider?
a. The patient exhibits nuchal rigidity.
b. The patient has a positive Kernig's sign.
c. The patient's temperature is 101° F (38.3° C).
d. The patient's blood pressure is 88/42 mm Hg.
ANS: D
Shock is a serious complication of meningitis, and the patient's low blood pressure indicates the need for interventions such as fluids or vasopressors. Nuchal rigidity and a positive Kernig's sign are expected with bacterial meningitis. The nurse should intervene to lower the temperature, but this is not as life threatening as the hypotension.
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