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?

Choice A rationaleDecreased pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not indicative of bacterial meningitis. In fact, increased CSF pressure is more commonly associated with meningitis due to inflammation and increased production of CSF. Monitoring CSF pressure helps diagnose and manage meningitis but decreased pressure would not support a bacterial meningitis diagnosis.Choice B rationaleDecreased white blood cell (WBC) count in the CSF is not consistent with bacterial meningitis. Meningitis, especially bacterial, typically causes an increased WBC count in the CSF as the body responds to the infection. This increase in WBCs, particularly neutrophils, indicates the immune system's effort to combat the bacterial invasion. A decreased count would not align with this diagnosis.Choice C rationaleElevated glucose levels in the cerebrospinal fluid are not typical for bacterial meningitis. Bacterial infections usually consume glucose, leading to decreased glucose levels in the CSF. Elevated glucose levels could indicate other conditions or metabolic issues but would not support a bacterial meningitis diagnosis.Choice D rationaleElevated total protein in the cerebrospinal fluid supports the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, the inflammation and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier lead to elevated protein levels in the CSF. This finding, along with increased WBC count and decreased glucose levels, helps confirm the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis and guides appropriate treatment. .