A nurse is admitting an 8-year-old child to the pediatric unit.. Exhibits The nurse suspects the child has bacterial meningitis. Drag words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence. The child is at greatest risk for developing dropdown and dropdown.

Seizures: Bacterial meningitis causes inflammation and irritation of the brain's meninges, increasing the risk of seizures as the brain becomes more excitable. Seizures are a common serious complication and require close monitoring and prompt treatment. Increased intracranial pressure: Inflammation from meningitis can cause cerebral edema, leading to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Elevated ICP can worsen neurological status and cause brain herniation if untreated, making it a critical complication to watch for. Rationale for Incorrect Choices: Hypothermia: This child presents with fever Temperature 38.7° C (101.7° F), which is typical in bacterial meningitis; hypothermia is not a common risk in this condition. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): Although DIC can occur in severe sepsis, it is less common early in meningitis and not the greatest immediate risk. Additionaly the child has a normal platelet count 350,000/mm³ making DIC unlikely currently. Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus can develop as a late complication due to blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow but is less immediate than seizures and increased ICP.