Bacterial Meningitis Flashcards

1
Q

Pathophysiology

A
  1. Infection of the meninges
  2. Causes inflammation, swelling, purulent exudate and tissue damage to the brain
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2
Q

Risk Factors

A
  1. Young Age ( 1 month to 5 years)
  2. Any fever or illness during pregnancy or around delivery
  3. Exposure to ill person
  4. Exposure to tuberculosis
  5. Travel History
  6. History of Maternal Illness
  7. Recent neurosurgical procedure or head trauma
  8. Presence of a foreign body such as a shunt or a cochlear implant
  9. Immunocompromised status
  10. Close-contact living space
  11. Day-care attendance
  12. Secondary to upper respiratory infection, sinus infection , ear infection and direct introduction through LP
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3
Q

Signs and Symptoms

A
  1. Sudden onset of symptoms
  2. Preceding respiratory illness or sore throat
  3. Presence of fever, chills
  4. Headache
  5. Vomiting
  6. Photophobia
  7. Stiff neck
  8. Rash
  9. Irritability
  10. Drowsiness
  11. Lethargy
  12. Muscle Rigidity
  13. Seizures

In infants:
1. Poor sucking and feeding
2. Weak cry
3. Lethargy
4. Vomiting

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4
Q

Laboratory and Diagnostics

A
  1. Lumbar Puncture
  2. CBC
  3. Blood, urine and nasopharyngeal culture
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5
Q

Nursing Management

A
  1. Start antibiotics after culture is obtained
  2. Place in droplet precautions
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6
Q

Nursing Interventions: Reducing Fever

A
  1. Administer antipyretic (acetaminophen and NSAIDS)
  2. Reduce environmental temperature and use cooling blankets, fans, cold compresses and tepid baths
  3. Avoid measures that cause shivering because it increases heat production
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7
Q

Nursing Interventions: Preventing Bacterial Meningitis

A
  1. Disinfect toys and other shared objects
  2. Vaccines
  3. Screen pregnant women
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8
Q

Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

A
  1. Typically cloudy in appearance
  2. Opening pressure elevated
  3. WBC > 100
  4. Glucose: low
  5. Protein: elevated
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