A nurse is assessing a patient admitted with fever, severe headache, and photophobia. Which assessment finding would most strongly support a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis?

A. Nuchal rigidity: Stiff neck (nuchal rigidity) is a hallmark clinical sign of meningitis, resulting from meningeal inflammation. When present alongside fever, severe headache, and photophobia, it strongly supports a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. This finding is part of the classic triad and is a key indicator warranting urgent diagnostic evaluation and treatment. B. Abdominal distention: Abdominal distention is unrelated to meningitis and typically reflects gastrointestinal or intra-abdominal pathology. It does not provide evidence for meningeal infection or inflammation and is not useful in supporting the diagnosis. C. Bilateral wheezing: Wheezing indicates lower airway obstruction, such as in asthma, bronchitis, or other pulmonary conditions. It is not associated with meningitis and does not contribute to diagnosing central nervous system infections. D. Sternal tenderness: Sternal tenderness may suggest trauma, infection (osteomyelitis), or hematologic conditions but is not a feature of meningitis. Its presence does not support a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in the context of fever, headache, and photophobia.