A nurse is caring for an adolescent who was brought to the emergency department (ED) with a fever, headache, and neck stiffness. The nurse should determine the assessment findings are consistent with which of the following disease processes?

Choice A reason: A 2-year-old toddler is not a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is not routinely given to children younger than 11 years old, unless they have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia, complement deficiency, or HIV infection. A 2-year-old toddler may receive the meningococcal polysaccharide (MPSV4) vaccine instead, if indicated.

Choice B reason: A 4-month-old infant is not a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is not routinely given to children younger than 11 years old, unless they have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia, complement deficiency, or HIV infection. A 4-month-old infant may receive the meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine instead, if indicated.

Choice C reason: An 11-year-old school-age child is a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is routinely given to children aged 11 to 12 years old, with a booster dose at age 16. The MCV4 vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) that can cause serious infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or the bloodstream (septicemia).

Choice D reason: A 4-year-old child is not a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is not routinely given to children younger than 11 years old, unless they have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia, complement deficiency, or HIV infection. A 4-year-old child may receive the meningococcal polysaccharide (MPSV4) vaccine instead, if indicated.

Choice A reason: Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and altered mental status. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis may show increased white blood cells, protein, and glucose. The nurse should assess the neck range of motion and the reaction to pupil assessment, as these may indicate increased intracranial pressure.

Choice B reason: Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue, usually caused by a viral infection. It can cause fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. The CSF analysis may show increased white blood cells and protein, but normal glucose. The nurse should assess the level of consciousness and the neurological status, as these may indicate brain damage.

Choice C reason: Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. The nurse should assess the gastrointestinal manifestations and the vital signs, as these may indicate fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice D reason: Migraine is a type of headache that involves recurrent episodes of moderate to severe pain, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The nurse should assess the location and duration of pain, the triggers and relievers, and the history of migraine. The CSF analysis is usually normal.