What is the recommended action if a child shows signs of meningeal irritation?

• A. Refer for immediate medical evaluation
• B. Monitor at home for 24 hours
• C. Provide oral analgesics and rest
• D. Return to normal activity

Answer: (A)

Recognizing signs of meningeal irritation in a child points to a possible meningitis, which is a medical emergency. Meningitis can progress rapidly and cause serious complications, so any child with symptoms such as fever plus neck stiffness or resistance when the neck is flexed, sensitivity to light, severe headache, vomiting, or irritability—along with changes like a bulging fontanelle in infants—needs urgent evaluation rather than waiting at home. Early medical assessment allows prompt testing and treatment, and may include procedures to determine if infection is bacterial and to start antibiotics quickly if needed. Delaying care or trying to manage with home monitoring or simple analgesics could allow the condition to worsen, whereas immediate referral aims to reduce risk and improve outcomes.