A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a preschooler who has vomiting, irritability, and nuchal rigidity. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A reason: Providing environmental stimuli is inappropriate because children with suspected meningitis often require a quiet, low-stimulation environment to reduce irritability and prevent worsening of symptoms such as headache and photophobia. Choice B reason: Preparing the child for a lumbar puncture is correct. Vomiting, irritability, and nuchal rigidity are classic signs of meningitis. A lumbar puncture is the diagnostic procedure used to confirm meningitis by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid for infection markers such as elevated white blood cells, protein, and decreased glucose. Choice C reason: Obtaining daily abdominal girth measurements is unrelated to meningitis. This intervention is typically used for conditions such as ascites or bowel obstruction, not for neurological infections. Choice D reason: Maintaining the child in a supine position is inappropriate because it can increase discomfort and intracranial pressure. Children with meningitis often prefer positions that reduce meningeal irritation, such as lying with knees flexed.