Which symptom is least likely to be seen as a sign of meningitis in young children?

• A. Fever
• B. Irritability
• C. Poor feeding
• D. Nuchal rigidity

Answer: (D)

In young children, meningitis often presents with nonspecific signs, so relying on classic meningeal symptoms isn’t reliable. Neck stiffness (nuchal rigidity) requires cooperation and is harder to assess in infants and toddlers, and it tends to be absent even when meningitis is present. By contrast, fever, irritability, and poor feeding are more common and noticeable in this age group, making them more typical indicators of a serious central nervous system Infection. Because neck stiffness is both difficult to evaluate in young children and less sensitive in this age range, it is the sign least likely to be observed in meningitis among young kids. If meningitis is suspected, treat promptly and look for the other, more age-appropriate signs while pursuing appropriate testing.