Bacterial Meningitis Flashcards
1
Q
Pathophysiology
A
- Infection of the meninges
- Causes inflammation, swelling, purulent exudate and tissue damage to the brain
2
Q
Risk Factors
A
- Young Age ( 1 month to 5 years)
- Any fever or illness during pregnancy or around delivery
- Exposure to ill person
- Exposure to tuberculosis
- Travel History
- History of Maternal Illness
- Recent neurosurgical procedure or head trauma
- Presence of a foreign body such as a shunt or a cochlear implant
- Immunocompromised status
- Close-contact living space
- Day-care attendance
- Secondary to upper respiratory infection, sinus infection , ear infection and direct introduction through LP
3
Q
Signs and Symptoms
A
- Sudden onset of symptoms
- Preceding respiratory illness or sore throat
- Presence of fever, chills
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Photophobia
- Stiff neck
- Rash
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Muscle Rigidity
- Seizures
In infants:
1. Poor sucking and feeding
2. Weak cry
3. Lethargy
4. Vomiting
4
Q
Laboratory and Diagnostics
A
- Lumbar Puncture
- CBC
- Blood, urine and nasopharyngeal culture
5
Q
Nursing Management
A
- Start antibiotics after culture is obtained
- Place in droplet precautions
6
Q
Nursing Interventions: Reducing Fever
A
- Administer antipyretic (acetaminophen and NSAIDS)
- Reduce environmental temperature and use cooling blankets, fans, cold compresses and tepid baths
- Avoid measures that cause shivering because it increases heat production
7
Q
Nursing Interventions: Preventing Bacterial Meningitis
A
- Disinfect toys and other shared objects
- Vaccines
- Screen pregnant women
8
Q
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
A
- Typically cloudy in appearance
- Opening pressure elevated
- WBC > 100
- Glucose: low
- Protein: elevated
