A nurse is preparing a child who has suspected bacterial meningitis for a lumbar puncture. Which of the following cerebrospinal fluid findings supports the diagnosis?

A. A decreased white blood cell (WBC) count in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would not support the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Bacterial infections typically cause an increased WBC count, specifically neutrophils. B. Elevated total protein in the CSF is a classic finding in bacterial meningitis, as the infection leads to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier and results in an increase in protein content. C. Elevated glucose in the CSF is not consistent with bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, glucose levels are usually decreased due to the consumption of glucose by bacteria. D. Decreased pressure in the CSF is not typical in bacterial meningitis. Increased intracranial pressure often results in elevated CSF pressure.