What should be monitored during an assessment of a child with suspected meningitis?

Monitoring a child with suspected meningitis requires a focus on specific neurological symptoms and systemic signs indicative of infection. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of observing signs such as neck stiffness, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and altered mental status. These are classic manifestations of meningitis that can help in the early identification of the condition.

Neck stiffness is particularly significant as it can indicate meningeal irritation, often tested through the Brudzinski or Kernig signs during a physical examination. Photophobia suggests meningitis due to irritation of the meninges, which can lead to discomfort in response to bright light. Altered mental status may indicate increased intracranial pressure or more severe infection, both of which are critical in the context of meningitis.

While monitoring for signs of dehydration and food intake is important for overall care, especially in children who may refuse fluids due to illness, it is not as specific to meningitis diagnosis as the signs mentioned in the correct answer. Changes in heart rate can provide useful information about the child's hemodynamic status but are not definitive indicators of meningitis. Similarly, responses to light and sound could be part of a broader neurological assessment but do not specifically pertain to the classic signs of meningitis. Therefore, focusing on