All are the clinical features of meningitis except

Appeared in: UPPSC 2022

Explanation

Constipation is not a recognized clinical feature of meningitis.
Gastrointestinal symptoms in meningitis, if present, are typically nausea and vomiting, which are caused by increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
The inflammatory process of meningitis does not directly affect bowel motility in a way that causes constipation; systemic infection is more likely to cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Option A: Nuchal rigidity, or neck stiffness, is a classic sign of meningeal irritation caused by inflammation of the meninges.
Option B: Poor feeding is a common and important non-specific sign of meningitis in newborns and young infants, indicating systemic illness and central nervous system depression.
Option C: A high-pitched cry, often described as a 'shrill cry,' is a characteristic sign of increased intracranial pressure and central nervous system irritation in infants.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Clinical manifestations of meningitis helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Recognizing subtle, non-specific signs like poor feeding and irritability is crucial for the early diagnosis of meningitis in infants, as classic signs like nuchal rigidity are often absent in this age group.
Immediate implementation of droplet precautions for suspected bacterial meningitis is a critical nursing action to prevent transmission to others.
A key nursing responsibility is to frequently assess for signs of increased intracranial pressure, such as changes in consciousness, pupillary changes, and the Cushing triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations).

How to Approach the Question

This is an 'except' question, which requires you to identify the option that is FALSE or does not belong.
First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the clinical features of meningitis.
Recall the common signs and symptoms associated with meningitis. It's important to consider how these signs differ between age groups (infants vs. older children/adults).
Evaluate each option against your knowledge of meningitis:
Is nuchal rigidity a sign? Yes, it's a classic sign of meningeal irritation.
Is poor feeding a sign? Yes, it's a key sign in infants.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 586-588

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1568-1570

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1289-1291

Practise the full UPPSC 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.