Exam-Viral Meningitis Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the most common cause of viral meningitis in the United States?
A. Influenza virus
B. Enteroviruses
C. Epstein-Barr virus
D. Hepatitis B virus
Answer: B. Enteroviruses
Rationale: Enteroviruses are the leading cause of viral meningitis, typically transmitted through respiratory secretions.
Which of the following is a typical CSF finding in viral meningitis?
A. Cloudy fluid with neutrophils
B. High protein and low glucose
C. Clear or cloudy CSF with lymphocytes
D. Positive Gram stain
Answer: C. Clear or cloudy CSF with lymphocytes
Rationale: Viral meningitis typically shows lymphocytosis and lacks bacterial organisms on Gram stain.
What rapid diagnostic test detects enteroviruses in CSF for viral meningitis?
A. D-dimer
B. Xpert EV test
C. Monospot test
D. Western blot
Answer: B. Xpert EV test
Rationale: The Xpert EV test detects enterovirus RNA in CSF quickly, confirming viral meningitis.
What is the typical management for viral meningitis?
A. IV antibiotics for 14 days
B. Surgical drainage
C. Supportive and symptomatic care
D. Antifungal therapy
Answer: C. Supportive and symptomatic care
Rationale: Viral meningitis is usually self-limiting and treated with fluids, rest, and pain/fever control.
Which clinical symptom is common in both bacterial and viral meningitis?
A. Petechial rash
B. Seizures
C. Nuchal rigidity
D. Coma
Answer: C. Nuchal rigidity
Rationale: Neck stiffness is a hallmark symptom in all types of meningitis due to meningeal irritation.
What CSF change is most consistent with viral rather than bacterial meningitis?
A. Elevated glucose
B. High neutrophil count
C. Lymphocytic predominance
D. Positive acid-fast bacilli
Answer: C. Lymphocytic predominance
Rationale: Viral meningitis typically features a high number of lymphocytes in CSF.
Why are antibiotics initially given in suspected viral meningitis cases?
A. To reduce fever
B. To treat possible bacterial causes until ruled out
C. To control seizures
D. To reduce photophobia
Answer: B. To treat possible bacterial causes until ruled out
Rationale: Antibiotics are started before CSF results come back in case the cause is bacterial.
What is the expected outcome for most patients with viral meningitis?
A. Death within 24 hours
B. Chronic hydrocephalus
C. Full recovery
D. Seizure disorder
Answer: C. Full recovery
Rationale: Most patients with viral meningitis recover completely without long-term effects.
What symptom is common in viral meningitis?
A. Ataxia
B. Hallucinations
C. Fever and photophobia
D. Hemiplegia
Answer: C. Fever and photophobia
Rationale: Headache, fever, light sensitivity, and neck stiffness are common presenting symptoms.
How is HSV-related viral meningitis treated?
A. Supportive care only
B. Acyclovir
C. Antifungal medications
D. IV corticosteroids
Answer: B. Acyclovir
Rationale: Acyclovir is used to treat HSV infections that cause viral meningitis.
Which of the following would NOT be seen in viral meningitis?
A. Seizures
B. Clear CSF
C. Positive Gram stain
D. Lymphocytosis
Answer: C. Positive Gram stain
Rationale: Viral meningitis does not produce bacteria visible on Gram stain.
What long-term effect is rare but possible after viral meningitis?
A. Deafness
B. Incoordination
C. Hydrocephalus
D. Paralysis
Answer: B. Incoordination
Rationale: While full recovery is typical, some patients may have residual mild motor or coordination issues.
When is viral meningitis most commonly seen?
A. Winter
B. Spring
C. Summer and early fall
D. Late fall
Answer: C. Summer and early fall
Rationale: Enteroviruses, the most common cause, are more prevalent in warm-weather months.
What is the purpose of PCR in viral meningitis diagnosis?
A. Detect antibodies
B. Visualize organisms
C. Detect viral DNA or RNA
D. Culture for bacteria
Answer: C. Detect viral DNA or RNA
Rationale: PCR identifies the specific viral genetic material, confirming the diagnosis.
What is the rationale for performing a lumbar puncture in suspected meningitis?
A. To detect increased blood pressure
B. To test for cancer
C. To analyze CSF for infection
D. To relieve ICP
Answer: C. To analyze CSF for infection
Rationale: A lumbar puncture helps determine if meningitis is bacterial or viral based on CSF findings.
