Meningitis Flashcards
There are 3 strains of bacterial meningitis
a) True
b) False
True
Bacterial meningitis is…
a) an acute inflammation of the brains grey matter
b) a chronic infection of the medulla
c) a life threatening inflammation of the meninges and spinal cord caused by a bacterial infection
d) inflammation/infection of the optical nerve causing compression of and swelling to the surface of the brain
A life threatening inflammation of the meninges and spinal cord caused by a bacterial infection
The incubation period for bacterial meningitis is most commonly:
a) 12-24 hours
b) 3-6 weeks
c) 1-10 days
d) 1 month
1 - 10 days
Which is not a typical symptom of meningitic illness?
a) fever
b) high pitched cry
c) photophobia
d) excessive urine output
Excessive urine output
Drugs commonly given for the treatment of bacterial meningitis include:
a) cefotaxime
b) penicillin
c) amoxycillin
d) flucloxicillin
Cefotaxime
The results of a full blood count test from a child with bacterial meningitis would show…
a) decreased CRP
b) increased neutrophils
c) increased lymphocytes
d) normal white cell count
Increased neutrophils
Increased lymphocytes
If a child is suspected of having bacterial meningitis, which investigations are routinely carried out?
a) blood cultures
b) lumbar puncture
c) urea and electrolytes
d) stool sample
Blood cultures
Lumbar puncture
Urea and electrolytes
A child could have normal Full Blood Count results if:
a) He/she has been taking oral antibiotics at home
b) Is in the early stages of the disease
c) Is recovering from bacterial meningitis independently
d) Is drinking excessively, thus diluting the concentration of bacterial cells in the blood.
b) Is in the early stages of the disease
Which type of isolation is required for the child who has or is suspected of having bacterial meningitis?
a) green - enteric
b) white - strict
c) blue - respiratory
d) pink - wound
c) blue - respiratory
Describe what investigations will be required to confirm diagnosis in bacterial meningitis?
Blood culture Full blood picture Urea and electrolytes Blood gases BGL Lumbar puncture
Write a plan of care for a child with bacterial meningitis?
Infection Control:
PPE- Gown, gloves, mask for first 24 hours after antibiotics commenced
Child isolated
Educate family and visitors about precautions
Hydration: Strict fluid balance/daily weights Fluids restricted due to cerebal oedema Oral care 4hrly IV site checks hourly
Risk of shock: Neurological obs/vital signs Fontanel assessment Daily head circumference monitor for seizure activity monitor skin for none blanching rashes hearing assessment prior to discharge
Emotional support: Keep caregivers informed Listen to concerns & comfort suggest breaks for parents involve parents in care care for breastfeeding mothers
Describe the infection control precautions that are required for those that have been in recent contact with a child meningitis?
Course of prophylactic antibiotics- Rifampicin
What is Kernig’s sign
Severe stiffness of the hamstrings causing an inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees
What is Brudzinski’s sign
Severe neck stiffness causing a patients hips and knees to flex when the neck is flexed
Risk factors of meningitis
Immmunosuppression A Ventriculoperitoneal shunt Cochlear implant CNS Trauma Recent sinus or Ear Infection
