A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant who has viral meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Hyperglycemia is not typically associated with viral meningitis. It may occur in metabolic disorders or stress responses but is not a hallmark of meningitis, which primarily affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation, fever, and neurological symptoms rather than blood glucose alterations. Choice B reason: Fever is a common sign of viral meningitis due to the body’s immune response to viral infection in the meninges. Inflammation triggers pyrogens, elevating body temperature. This systemic response is a key diagnostic indicator in infants, reflecting central nervous system irritation. Choice C reason: Poor feeding occurs in viral meningitis as infants experience lethargy and irritability from meningeal inflammation. Neurological irritation disrupts normal feeding behaviors, and systemic illness reduces appetite, leading to inadequate intake, a common symptom in infants with central nervous system infections. Choice D reason: Difficulty awakening is expected in viral meningitis due to meningeal inflammation causing lethargy and altered consciousness. The infection irritates brain structures, reducing arousal responses, making infants less responsive, a critical sign of neurological involvement requiring prompt medical attention. Choice E reason: Stiff neck, or nuchal rigidity, results from meningeal inflammation in viral meningitis, causing pain and resistance during neck flexion. This occurs as inflamed meninges irritate surrounding nerves, a classic symptom in older children and infants, indicating central nervous system infection.