Upon completion of a 14-day antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis in an infant, the nurse prepares the family for discharge. Which information should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Monitoring wet diapers is important for hydration status, but it is not the most critical discharge instruction after meningitis treatment. The primary concern is neurological and sensory complications, particularly hearing loss. Choice B reason: Infants who recover from bacterial meningitis are at high risk for sensorineural hearing loss due to damage to the auditory nerve or cochlea. Monitoring response to auditory stimuli helps detect early hearing impairment, allowing for timely referral to audiology and intervention. This is the most important discharge instruction. Choice C reason: Antibiotic trough levels are monitored during therapy to ensure therapeutic dosing, but once treatment is completed, routine trough levels are not required. Choice D reason: Continuous antipyretic administration is unnecessary after infection resolution. Antipyretics should be used only as needed for fever or discomfort.