Meningitis

Question 1

what is meningitis?

Answer 1

inflammation of the meninges which are fibers that protect the brain and spinal cord

Question 2

what is viral meningitis and what will the CSF look like here?

Answer 2

viral meningitis is not contagious and the cerebrospinal fluid from lumbar puncture wil be clear

Question 3

what is bacterial meningitis and what is it caused by?

Answer 3

bacterial meningitis is very contagious, must be treated very quickly and occurs from infections like pneumonia, strep, and otitis media

Question 4

what is does the CSF of a patient who has bacterial meningitis look like?

Answer 4

cloudy and decreased glucose

Question 5

what vaccinations can help prevent bacterial meningitis?

Answer 5

give meningococcal vaccine and pneumococcal vaccines

Question 6

what are clinical manifestations of meningitis?

Answer 6

1. excruciating constant headache
2. photphobia
3. nuchal rigidity; neck stiffness
4. kernig’s sign: pain/resistance with knee extension
5. bruzinski’s sign: neck flexion–> hip and knee flexion
6. red macular rash (meningococcal meningitis)

Question 7

what diagnostic testing helps diagnose meningitis?

Answer 7

1. CSF analysis is done through lumbar puncture which is the main diagnosis
2. culture everything to find source of infection
3. CT/MRI to identify abscess or increased ICP

Question 8

what are priority interventions for meningitis?

Answer 8

1. droplet precautions are immediately started for 24 hours after antibiotics have been administered (and then contact precautions)
2. give cooling blanket for fever reduction
3. decrease environmental stimulation
4. seizure precautions

Question 9

what medications can be given for meningitis?

Answer 9

analgesics can be given but not opioids because it will mask neuro problems

Question 10

what complications can occur with meningitis?

Answer 10

1. increased ICP
2. SIADH
3. septic emboli can lead to gangrene–> amputation or stroke