A nurse manager is teaching a group of nurses about bacterial meningitis. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "Bacterial meningitis can be prevented with immunization": Vaccines such as the meningococcal, pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines significantly reduce the risk of bacterial meningitis. Immunization is a primary preventive measure, especially for high-risk populations, including children, adolescents, and certain adults. B. "Bacterial meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the sinus cavity.": Bacterial meningitis causes inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, not the sinuses. Confusing the site of infection can lead to inappropriate assessment and treatment. C. "Bacterial meningitis is spread by contaminated food or water; therefore, infection is unlikely": This statement is incorrect because bacterial meningitis is typically spread through respiratory droplets, close contact, or asymptomatic carriers, not through food or water. D. "Bacterial meningitis rarely occurs in young adults unless their immune system is suppressed.": Young adults, particularly those in communal settings like college dorms or military barracks, are at increased risk regardless of immune status. Immunocompetent individuals can still acquire bacterial meningitis.