Exhibits Which of the following complications should the nurse identify as being potential risks for this child? Select all that apply.

Rationale for Correct Answers: Hydrocephalus: Inflammation of the meninges can block cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, leading to ventricular dilation and hydrocephalus, a known complication of bacterial meningitis. Seizures: Meningeal irritation and increased intracranial pressure can cause seizures. Children with altered mental status and fever are at heightened risk. Subdural effusions: These may develop due to inflammation and accumulation of fluid between the dura and arachnoid layers, often seen in pediatric meningitis cases. Hearing loss: Sensorineural hearing loss may result from inflammation or damage to the auditory nerve or cochlea. It’s a well-documented sequela of meningitis. Rationale for Incorrect Choices: Laryngospasm: Typically associated with airway irritation or hypocalcemia, not a common or expected complication of meningitis. Demyelination: More commonly linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis. Meningitis does not typically cause demyelination of neurons. Guillain-Barré syndrome: An autoimmune condition often triggered by viral illness, not by meningitis. It involves peripheral nervous system demyelination, unrelated to this case.