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Neurology Med-Surg > Meningitis > Flashcards

Meningitis Flashcards

1
Q

What are the hallmark symptoms of bacterial meningitis?

A

High fever
Stiff neck
Severe headache
Confusion
Photophobia
Petechiae.

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2
Q

What diagnostic test is crucial for diagnosing bacterial meningitis?

A

Lumbar puncture to analyse cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

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3
Q

What laboratory findings in CSF are consistent with bacterial meningitis?

A

Low glucose
High protein
Elevated white blood cell count
Cloudy CSF.

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4
Q

What precautions should be taken with a patient suspected of having bacterial meningitis?

A

Droplet precautions, including masking the patient during transport and wearing masks when in the patient’s room.

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5
Q

How does bacterial meningitis differ from viral meningitis?

A

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening emergency requiring antibiotics, while viral meningitis is self-limiting and typically resolves without specific treatment.

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6
Q

What are the early signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

A

Severe headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Altered consciousness
Possible seizures.

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7
Q

Why is Mannitol administered in bacterial meningitis?

A

To reduce intracranial pressure by promoting diuresis.

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8
Q

What side effect of codeine should be closely monitored in patients with meningitis?

A

Codeine can depress the level of consciousness, which is already affected in meningitis.

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9
Q

What are the seizure precautions for a patient with bacterial meningitis?

A

Administer antiepileptic drugs like phenytoin
Monitor for seizure activity
Ensure a safe environment to prevent injury during seizures.

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10
Q

What is the importance of neurological checks in managing bacterial meningitis?

A

To detect changes in the patient’s neurological status, which could indicate worsening of the disease.

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11
Q

What organism most commonly causes bacterial meningitis in adults?

A

Streptococcus pneumoniae
Neisseria meningitidis.

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12
Q

How does photophobia present in patients with meningitis?

A

Sensitivity to light, causing discomfort and difficulty being in brightly lit environments.

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13
Q

What is petechiae, and why is it significant in bacterial meningitis?

A

Petechiae are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, often associated with meningococcal meningitis.

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14
Q

Why are droplet precautions essential for patients with bacterial meningitis?

A

To prevent the spread of respiratory droplets containing infectious agents to others.

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15
Q

What does a turbid appearance of CSF indicate?

A

Cloudy or turbid CSF suggests the presence of infection, such as bacterial meningitis.

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16
Q

What is the expected WBC count in bacterial meningitis?

A

An elevated WBC count, typically above 1,000 cells/µL.

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17
Q

What is the role of corticosteroids in the management of bacterial meningitis?

A

Corticosteroids, like Dexamethasone, reduce inflammation and swelling in the brain.

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18
Q

What should be included in patient education upon discharge after bacterial meningitis treatment?

A

Rest, gradual return to normal activities, adequate nutrition, and awareness of potential long-term complications like seizures or cognitive changes.

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19
Q

What is Kernig’s sign, and how does it relate to meningitis?

A

Kernig’s sign is the inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed at a 90-degree angle, a common sign of meningitis.

20
Q

What is Brudzinski’s sign, and how is it tested?

A

Brudzinski’s sign is when passive flexion of the neck causes involuntary flexion of the knees and hips, indicative of meningeal irritation.

21
Q

How does the lumbar puncture procedure help diagnose meningitis?

A

By analysing cerebrospinal fluid for glucose, protein, WBC, and bacteria, the lumbar puncture can confirm bacterial or viral meningitis.

22
Q

What medications are typically used to manage fever in bacterial meningitis?

A

Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen

23
Q

Why is strict I&O monitoring important in bacterial meningitis?

A

To ensure proper hydration and monitor for signs of fluid imbalance, which can affect intracranial pressure.

24
Q

What is the potential long-term impact of untreated bacterial meningitis?

A

Cognitive impairments
Hearing loss
Seizures
Hydrocephalus
Death

25
Q

What is the normal range for Cerebrospinal Fluid glucose in relation to serum glucose?

A

Cerebrospinal Fluid glucose is normally 50-66% of serum glucose levels.

26
Q

What is the importance of starting broad-spectrum antibiotics before culture results are available?

A

To begin treating the infection immediately and reduce the risk of complications or death. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used because they are effective against a wide variety of bacteria, ensuring that the most common causative agents

27
Q

What complications are associated with bacterial meningitis in children?

A

Hearing loss
Developmental delays
Seizures
Learning disabilities.

28
Q

How long is the typical course of antibiotics for bacterial meningitis?

A

The typical course is 7-14 days, depending on the pathogen.

29
Q

What is the significance of glucose in CSF during meningitis?

A

A low CSF glucose level is indicative of bacterial meningitis due to bacterial consumption of glucose.

30
Q

What is the role of the healthcare team in managing meningitis beyond medications?

A

Providing supportive care such as seizure precautions, hydration management, and patient and family education.

31
Q

How can family and caregivers protect themselves from contracting bacterial meningitis?

A

By following droplet precautions and receiving prophylactic antibiotics if they have been in close contact with the infected person.

32
Q

What is the role of CSF protein in diagnosing meningitis?

A

Elevated protein levels in CSF are consistent with bacterial meningitis due to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier.

33
Q

What is the purpose of Mannitol in the management of bacterial meningitis?

A

To reduce brain swelling and intracranial pressure.

34
Q

Why are seizures a concern in bacterial meningitis?

A

Seizures can result from increased intracranial pressure, brain inflammation, and irritation of the meninges.

35
Q

What is the significance of purpura fulminans in meningitis?

A

Purpura fulminans is a severe and often fatal complication of bacterial meningitis, characterized by rapidly progressing skin necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

36
Q

How do you test for photophobia in patients suspected of having meningitis?

A

By assessing the patient’s reaction to light, particularly if bright light worsens headaches or discomfort.

37
Q

Why is IV hydration important in managing meningitis?

A

To prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure, especially when the patient is febrile and losing fluids through sweating.

38
Q

Why is the timely administration of antibiotics critical in bacterial meningitis?

A

Early antibiotic therapy is essential to prevent the spread of infection to the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal.

39
Q

What are common long-term neurological complications of bacterial meningitis?

A

Cognitive decline, seizures, motor deficits, and hearing loss.

40
Q

Why are prophylactic antibiotics given to close contacts of a patient with bacterial meningitis?

A

To prevent the spread of the infection, as bacterial meningitis can be highly contagious.

41
Q

Which nursing intervention is crucial for managing fever in Meningitis patients?

A

Administering antipyretics like acetaminophen and monitoring temperature closely.

42
Q

Why is it important to avoid overhydration in meningitis patients?

A

Overhydration can exacerbate cerebral edema, leading to worsening ICP.

43
Q

Which condition is indicated by petechial or purpuric rashes?

A

Meningococcal Meningitis.

44
Q

What are the signs of severe Meningococcal Meningitis?

A

Abrupt onset of high fever
Purpuric lesions
Shock
Signs of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).

45
Q

How does the excessive release of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) affect Meningitis patients?

A

It inhibits urination, leading to water retention, oliguria, hypervolemia, hyponatremia, and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

46
Q

What is the role of Neutrophils in Bacterial Meningitis?

A

Neutrophils migrate to the site of infection, engulf bacteria, and disintegrate, leading to purulent exudate formation.

Neurology Med-Surg (5 decks)

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