A patient’s chart indicates a history of meningitis. Which of the following would you not expect to see with this patient if this condition were acute?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Vomiting
- C. Fever
- D. Poor tolerance of light
The correct answer is (A).
While meningitis can sometimes present with increased appetite in rare cases, it is typically not one of the expected symptoms. Therefore, option A (Increased appetite) is the least likely finding in a patient with acute meningitis.
Here's why the other options are more likely to be present in acute meningitis:
B. Vomiting:
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of meningitis due to increased pressure in the head and irritation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
C. Fever:
Fever is a hallmark symptom of acute meningitis, often high and persistent.
D. Poor tolerance of light (photophobia):
This is another common symptom caused by inflammation and irritation of the meninges, making bright light uncomfortable.
It's important to remember that not every patient with meningitis will experience all the symptoms, and the severity can vary. However, increased appetite is not typically associated with acute meningitis.
