A nurse is admitting an 8-year-old child client to the pediatric unit. For each potential condition, click to specify if the child's assessment findings are consistent with Hodgkin Lymphoma, Bacterial Meningitis, or Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

Skin: The presence of petechiae is a classic finding in Bacterial Meningitis (meningococcemia) and ALL (due to thrombocytopenia). The "tenting" indicates dehydration, which is common in acute infections like meningitis. Lymph nodes: Enlarged cervical lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) can occur in all three. In Hodgkin’s, they are usually painless and firm; in Meningitis, they react to the upper respiratory infection; in ALL, they occur due to leukemic infiltration. Neurologic: Nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), lethargy, and irritability are hallmark signs of Bacterial Meningitis. Irritability and lethargy can also be seen in ALL if there is CNS involvement or severe anemia. Pain: The severe headache (7/10) and nausea are primarily associated with increased intracranial pressure and meningeal irritation in Bacterial Meningitis. Bone pain or headaches from CNS involvement can also occur in ALL.