What are classic signs of meningitis in children?

The classic signs of meningitis in children include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia. These symptoms are indicative of inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can occur due to viral or bacterial infection.

Fever is a common response to infection, signaling the body’s immune response. A severe headache is typical in meningitis cases due to increased intracranial pressure or irritation of the meninges. Neck stiffness arises as a result of inflammation and irritation of the meninges, making it painful for the person to flex their neck. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is also associated with increased intracranial pressure and meningeal irritation, causing discomfort when exposed to bright lights.

The other options do not encapsulate the primary symptoms that would point towards meningitis. Symptoms like cough and wheezing are more reflective of respiratory conditions. Rash, swelling, and abdominal pain might be observed in other infections but do not specifically indicate meningitis. Dizziness, nausea, and fatigue are nonspecific symptoms that can occur in a variety of illnesses but do not provide a clear indication of meningitis. Thus, the combination in the correct answer effectively highlights the hallmark signs that emergency personnel would look for when diagnosing meningitis in children