neurosensory & neuromuscular Flashcards
What are the general manifestations of meningitis?
photophobia
nausea
headache
What are the manifestations of meningitis in a newborn?
No illness present at birth; progresses w/in a few days
poor muscle tone
weak cry
supple neck
What are the manifestations of meningitis from 3 months to 2 years?
seizures w/ a high pitched cry
fever
bulging fontanels
poor feeding
What are the manifestations of meningitis from 2 years through adolescence?
seizures (initial sign)
nuchal rigidity
positive brudzinski’s sign & Kernig’s sign (not reliable until 2 years old)
What should be monitored with meningitis in newborns & infants?
head circumference & fontanels
What requires immediate medical attention with meningitis?
presence of petechiae or a purpuric-type rash
What are the priority nursing interventions for meningitis?
ISOLATE!
Correct fluid volume deficits, then restrict fluids until no inc. ICP
keep room cool
slightly elevate HOB or side-lying
NPO if decreased LOC
seizure precautions
decrease stimuli
What medications are indicated for meningitis?
Antibiotics
Corticosteroids (dexamethasone)
-not indicated for viral
-most effective for decreasing neuro complications
Analgesics
What will the CSF test look like if the infection is bacterial?
cloudy
inc WBC
inc protein
dec glucose
+ gram stain
What will the CSF test look like if the infection is viral?
clear
slightly inc WBC
normal or slightly inc protein
normal glucose
- gram stain
What are the precautions for meningitis?
droplet
wear a mask
isolation for 24 hrs after antibiotics
What position is the patient in during a lumbar puncture for meningitis?
side-lying
head flexed
knees drawn up
assist in holding the child still
4-8 hrs after remain flat in bed
What are the manifestations of inc ICP in newborns & infants?
bulging fontanels
separation of cranial sutures
inc head circumference
high-pitched cry
distended scalp veins
bradycardia
resp changes
What are the manifestations of inc ICP in children?
headache
N/V
diplopia (double vision)
blurred vision
seizures
Bradycardia
resp changes
What are the late manifestations of inc ICP?
alt. pupil response
posturing
dec motor response
Cheyenne-stokes
dec LOC
coma
flexion/extension
What is flexion caused by?
dysfunction of cerebral cortex