Two days after a hypophysectomy, the patient has headache and nuchal rigidity. The nurse should:

• A. Medicate with the prescribed analgesic.
• B. Report suspected meningitis to the head nurse.
• C. Closely monitor the patient's blood pressure.
• D. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.

Answer: (B)

After hypophysectomy, the risk of meningitis is a major concern because the procedure involves access to the skull base, creating a potential route for infection. Headache with neck stiffness (nuchal rigidity) two days postoperatively is a red flag for meningitis, a condition that can progress rapidly and become life-threatening if not treated quickly. The correct action is to report this suspected meningitis to the head nurse so the clinician can promptly evaluate, order diagnostic tests (such as CSF analysis and imaging), and begin appropriate antimicrobial therapy. While comfort measures like analgesia or elevating the head of the bed may be useful, they do not address the urgent need to diagnose and treat a possible infection. Early recognition and intervention are essential to prevent serious complications.