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A 4-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department by His

question 224

Multiple Choice

A 4-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his parents for evaluation of a fever and headache. Two days ago, the boy began to have low-grade fever, cough, and congestion. Last night, his fever became higher, and he became fussy, more difficult to console, and less active. He slept poorly and woke up with a headache unrelieved with over the counter pain medications. The patient vomited twice prior to arrival. He has no medical conditions but has not received regular health maintenance or vaccinations. Temperature is 39.4 C (102.9 F) , pulse is 110/min, and respirations are 20/min. Physical examination shows an irritable child. Pupils are equal and reactive; funduscopic examination is limited by photophobia. The oropharynx is erythematous. Nuchal rigidity is present and bilateral lower extremities flex when the neck is flexed. The remainder of the physical examination is normal. Cerebrospinal fluid results are shown below: Which of the following pathogens is most likely responsible for this patient's presentation?

Definitions:

Rationing Device

A method or system used to allocate scarce goods, services, or resources among competing demands.

Equilibrium

A state in a market where supply equals demand, and there is no tendency for change in the price or quantity.

Price Floor

A government or regulatory-imposed price control that sets the minimum allowable price to be charged for a particular good or service. It is aimed at protecting producers by ensuring prices do not fall below a certain level.

Government

The governing body of a nation, state, or community, responsible for making and enforcing laws and policies.