Meningitis Flashcards
1
Q
Describe meningitis?
A
Inflammation of lining around brain and spinal cord
2
Q
What is meningitis caused by?
A
Inflammation due to bacteria or viruses
3
Q
Symptoms of meningitis?
A
- HA
- fever
- stiff/painful neck
- Kernigs sign
- brudzinskis sign
- photophobia
4
Q
What is Kernigs sign?
A
knee and hip flexed to 90 degrees, extension of knee is painful or limited
5
Q
What is brudzinski’s sign?
A
when in supine position, lower extremeties flex when neck is flexed
6
Q
How is meningitis diagnosed?
A
CT scan, MRI, LP (although lp may cause csf leakage at site)
7
Q
Treatment of meningitis?
A
Antibiotics and symptom management e.g. IV fluids if dehydrated
8
Q
Example of antibiotic used to treat meningitis?
A
Vancomycin
9
Q
Nursing management for meningitis?
A
- iso precautions
- monitor ICP
- seizure precautions
- HOB 30 deg
- prevent stimulation
