Encephalitis Flashcards
What is Encephalitis?
An acute inflammation of the brain tissue
How does Encephalitis differ from Meningoencephalitis?
Encephalitis is acute inflammation of the brain tissue, often caused by viral infections.
Meningoencephalitis is a rare and life-threatening condition in which you have meningitis and encephalitis at the same time.
What vector commonly transmits Encephalitis?
Ticks and mosquitoes.
What are the common symptoms of Encephalitis?
Fever
Headache
Nausea & Vomiting
Altered mental status
Motor/sensory deficits
Movement disorders.
What diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose Encephalitis?
Lumbar Puncture
MRI scan
CT scan
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Blood tests
PCR
Explain the medical management of Encephalitis
Analgesia: Paracetamol, oral, 1 g 4–6 hourly when required.
NSAID, e.g.: Ibuprofen, oral, 400 mg immediately then 8 hourly with meals, if needed
Morphine, IV, to a total maximum dose of 10 mg.
Antivirals: such as Acyclovir, IV, 10 mg/kg 8 hourly for 14 days (21 days in immunocompromised patients). (For patients with Herpes Simplex Encephalitis)
What are some comfort measures that nurses can use for patient care?
Comfort measures to reduce headache include dimming the lights, limiting noise and visitors, grouping nursing interventions, and administering analgesic agents
What is the most severe outcome of untreated Encephalitis?
It can be fatal if not treated properly.
Why are opioid analgesic medication used cautiously on patient with Encephalitis?
Opioid analgesic medications may mask neurologic symptoms
Why should the nurse monitor the blood chemistry and urine output of patient with Encephalitis?
Monitoring of blood chemistry test results and urinary output alert the nurse to the presence of renal complications related to antiviral therapy.
What medication that can be used to treat for cerebral edema in patients with Encephalitis?
Diuretics such as Mannitol
