What procedure should be performed for a patient with headache and fever?

When a patient presents with a headache and fever, a lumbar puncture is often indicated to evaluate for potential central nervous system infections, such as meningitis. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle into the lumbar region of the spine to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis. The presence of fever alongside a headache raises concern for infections that could affect the brain or its protective layers, making it critical to obtain CSF to rule out or confirm such conditions.

In cases of meningitis, specific tests on the collected CSF can identify pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi, thus guiding appropriate treatment. The importance of promptly diagnosing conditions that may present with these symptoms cannot be overstated, as timely intervention is vital for patient outcomes. A lumbar puncture provides the necessary information to manage the patient effectively.

The other options are not relevant in this context: a chest tube is typically used for pleural effusions or pneumothorax; CPAP/BIPAP are forms of respiratory support unrelated to headache and fever; and normal sinus rhythm refers to a cardiac rhythm, which does not directly address the symptoms at hand.