Meningitis is acute inflammation of the meninges — the pia mater, arachnoid, and dura mater — caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or tuberculous pathogens infiltrating the subarachnoid space and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous form: untreated, mortality exceeds 70%; even with therapy, neurologic sequelae (sensorineural hearing loss, cognitive impairment, hydrocephalus) occur in 20–30% of survivors. Viral (aseptic) meningitis is self-limiting in immunocompetent patients, but cannot be distinguished clinically from bacterial meningitis without lumbar puncture. Top 3 nursing priorities: 1. Recognize the classic triad (fever, severe headache, nuchal rigidity) and initiate droplet precautions immediately for suspected bacterial cases 2. Facilitate urgent lumbar puncture and blood cultures WITHOUT delaying empiric antibiotics beyond 1 hour of presentation 3. Implement continuous neurologic monitoring — GCS, pupillary response, ICP signs — and report deterioration within minutes Common NCLEX trap: Students think lumbar puncture must occur BEFORE antibiotics. The correct sequence is blood cultures → antibiotics → CT scan (if focal neuro deficit or papilledema present) → lumbar puncture. A 1-hour delay in antibiotics while waiting for imaging worsens mortality significantly. On...