A lumbar puncture (LP)is being done on an infant with suspected meningitis.The nurse expects which results for the cerebrospinal fluid that can confirm the diagnosis of meningitis?
A) WBCs; ¯glucose
B) RBCs; normal WBCs
C) glucose; normal RBCs
D) Normal RBCs; normal glucose

Question

A lumbar puncture (LP)is being done on an infant with suspected meningitis.The nurse expects which results for the cerebrospinal fluid that can confirm the diagnosis of meningitis?
A) ­WBCs; ¯glucose
B) ­RBCs; normal WBCs
C) ­glucose; normal RBCs
D) Normal RBCs; normal glucose

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A lumbar puncture is the definitive diagnostic test.The fluid pressure is measured and samples are obtained for culture,Gram stain,blood cell count,and determination of glucose and protein content.The findings are usually diagnostic.The patient generally has an elevated white blood cell count,often predominantly polymorphonuclear leukocytes.The glucose level is reduced,generally in proportion to the duration and severity of the infection.

A Lumbar Puncture (LP)is Being Done on an Infant with Suspected