An adolescent experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis reports right knee pain. Which is the most appropriate intervention?

A. Monitoring level of consciousness (LOC): Monitoring the child's level of consciousness is essential as changes in LOC can be an important indicator of the progression of meningitis.

B. Administration of IV antibiotics: Antibiotics are a critical component of the treatment for bacterial meningitis. Early administration of appropriate antibiotics is crucial to control the infection.

C. Decreasing environmental stimuli: Reducing environmental stimuli, such as noise and light, can help minimize discomfort and agitation in a child with meningitis.

D. Increasing IV fluids above maintenance is not typically part of the standard management of bacterial meningitis. Maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance is important, but increasing fluids significantly above maintenance may not be necessary and should be determined based on the child's clinical condition.

E. Instituting droplet precautions: Bacterial meningitis is contagious, and it is important to isolate the child and implement appropriate infection control measures, including droplet precautions, to prevent the spread of the infection to others.

A white glow of the pupil, often referred to as "cat's eye reflex" or "leukocoria," is a significant and characteristic sign of retinoblastoma. It occurs when the tumor within the eye reflects light, resulting in a white or yellowish glow in the pupil when light is shined into it. This can be seen in flash photographs or in certain lighting conditions. It's a crucial sign that may indicate the presence of retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer that primarily affects young children.

The other options, B (ptosis of the eye), C (fixed and dilated pupil), and D (purulent eye discharge), are not typically associated with retinoblastoma. Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid, a fixed and dilated pupil is usually a sign of neurological issues, and purulent eye discharge is often associated with eye infections rather than retinoblastoma.