A nurse is caring for a patient who has been admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which diagnostic procedure should the nurse prepare the patient for?

Choice A rationale As with, a lumbar puncture is the primary diagnostic procedure for suspected bacterial meningitis. The other choices, while useful for detecting other conditions, are not as definitive for diagnosing bacterial meningitis. Choice B rationale As mentioned in the rationale for, Choice B, skull radiography is not typically used to diagnose bacterial meningitis. Choice C rationale As mentioned in the rationale for, Choice C, an MRI can provide detailed images of the brain and surrounding tissues, but it is not the primary tool for diagnosing bacterial meningitis. Choice D rationale As mentioned in the rationale for, Choice D, a CT scan can detect abnormalities in the brain, but it cannot definitively diagnose bacterial meningitis.