Asked by Harman Grewal on Jul 26, 2024
Verified
A 19-year-old college student is brought to the emergency department with a severe headache he describes as, "Like nothing I've ever had before." His temperature is 40 C, and he has a stiff neck. The nurse looks for other signs and symptoms of which problem?
A) Head injury
B) Cluster headache
C) Migraine headache
D) Meningeal inflammation
Meningeal Inflammation
Inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often causing symptoms like fever, headache, and a stiff neck.
Stiff Neck
A condition characterized by soreness and difficulty in moving the neck, often due to muscle strain or tension.
Severe Headache
A significant and intense pain in the head, often requiring medical attention.
- Recognize signs and symptoms of serious health issues such as meningitis and differentiate them from other types of headaches.
Verified Answer
EB
Elizabeth BatsonJul 26, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
The acute onset of neck stiffness and pain along with headache and fever occurs with meningeal inflammation. A severe headache in an adult or child who has never had it before is a red flag. Head injury and cluster or migraine headaches are not associated with a fever or stiff neck.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize signs and symptoms of serious health issues such as meningitis and differentiate them from other types of headaches.