Neurological alterations: Meningitis and Seizures Flashcards
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the spinal cord or brain
Causes of meningitis?
Viral or bacterial
*bacterial primarily transmitted through resp. system (can also occur as complication of LP)
Meningitis s/s
Temp
Chills and fever
Meningitis s/s
HA?
Yes, severe
Meningitis s/s
GI
NV
Meningitis s/s
Neck
Nucal rigidity (stiff neck)
Meningitis s/s
Eyes
Photophobia
Meningitis treatment-Drugs?
Steroids
Antibiotics if bacterial
Analgesics
Meningitis percautions?
Droplet
Bacterial meningitis is a very contagious _____
Medical emergency
*high mortality and immunizations are recommended for college/grad students
Viral meningitis is usually transmitted by ?
Feces and requires CONTACT precautions
Bacterial = ?
Droplet percautions
Viral = ?
Contact precautions
Seizures
Should be thought of as a _____ of an underlying disorder rather than a disease
Symptom
Seizures are not considered _____ if they discontinue when disease has gone away
Epilepsy
Partial seizure
A partial seizure is limited to a specific ____
Local area of the brain
Partial seizure
What may be only manifestation?
An aura
Partial seizure
Called what?
Focal seizures
Partial seizure
Symptoms can range from?
Simple to complex
Partial seizure
Simple means?
W/o loss of consciousness
Numbness, tingling, prickling, or pain
Partial seizure
Complex means?
Impaired consciousness
Confused
Unable to respond
Generalized seizure
Involves?
Entire brain
Generalized seizure
AKA
Non-focal seizures
Generalized seizure
Clinical manifestation?
Loss of consciousness
Tonic-clonic ?
Formerly known as grand mal
Myoclonic?
Sudden, brief contractions of a muscle or group of muscles
Absence
Formally called petit mal and characterized by brief LOC
Complications of seizures?
Status epipepticus (continuous seizure w.o returning consciousness between seizures)
Trauma: protect client
Treatment
What assessment?
Neurological including lab and x-ray
Treatment
What drug?
Anticonvulsants
Treatment -Anticonvulsants
Rapid acting?
Lorazepam
Diazepam
Treatment -Anticonvulsants
Long acting?
Phenytoin
Treatment -Anticonvulsants
Have ___ SE
What could cause a seizure?
Toxic SE—monitor drug levels for toxicity through lab values
Abrupt withdrawal can cause a seizure
Don’t forget basics of ____ and ____ during a seizure
Airway and safety
T/F: Do not put anything in the mouth of a seizing client
T
