Meningitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is Meningitis
A
Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meninges)
2
Q
How can Meningitis be prevented
A
- Hib vaccine (given to infants)
- pneumococcal vaccine
3
Q
What vaccine is given to students living in dorms
A
meningococcal vaccine
4
Q
Classical S/S of Meningitis
A
- neck (nuchal) rigidity
- positive Kernig’s sign
- positive Bruzinski’s sign
5
Q
What happens to the heart rate with Meningitis
A
tachycardic
6
Q
Other S/S of Meningitis
A
- fever
- headache
- nausea/vomiting
- photophobia
- seizure, altered mental status
7
Q
What will the labs be for bacterial Meningitis
A
- cloudy, decreased glucose
- increased protein/WBC
- positive gram stain
8
Q
What will the labs be for viral Meningitis
A
- clear, usually normal
- may have slight increase in protein/WBC
- negative gram stain
9
Q
What precaution should be implemented for Meningitis
A
droplet, for the first 24 hours of antibiotics
-implement seizure precaution
10
Q
Nursing care for a patient with Meningitis
A
- monitor neurological status
- provide quiet room, dim lights
- minimize increased ICP by raising HOB 30 degrees, put head midline, minimize suctioning
