Peds Final (New information) Flashcards
(162 cards)
What is meningitis and what can cause it
inflammation of the meninges. can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi in cerebral spinal fluid
Viral meningitis is caused by…
cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus. enterovirus, HIV, arbovirus
Bacterial meningitis can be caused by…
Neisseria meningitis, streptococcus pneumonia. hemophilia influenza type b, E.Coli
Risk factors for meningitis
-a big concern for infants under 2 months
-crowded living conditions
-+ GBS mother during pregnancy
Expected findings for meningitis newborn
-typically won’t see any illness at birth but present within a few days
-hard to diagnose
-Baby will be inconsolable, high pitch cry, move head from side to side, squinted eyes, nuchal rigidity
-LATE FINDINGS: bulging fontanel
Expected findings for meningitis 3 months - 2 years
-seizures with a high pitch cry
-bulging fontanels
-possible nuchal rigidity
-Brudzinski’s ( lift head while lying down will involuntarily flex legs) and Kernig’s (flex hips at 90 and then straighten legs it will be painful) signs are not reliable for diagnosis
Expected findings for meningitis 2 years - adolescence
- # 1 findings seizures-+ Brudzinskis sign, kernigs sign
labs for meningitis
- lumbar puncture ( they will observe for coloring (milky) , elevated WBC count, Elevated protein, glucose should be normal or lower , +gram stain)
Meningitis diagnoses
-lumbar puncture is a definitive diagnosis
-MRI & Ct scan determines Intracranial pressure
Meninigits Nursing considerations
-make sure the client voids before the procedure
-apply a topical anesthetic cream
- position the client side-lying with the head flexed and knees drawn up (the nurse will help hold the child)
- apply pressure and an elastic bandage to the puncture site after needle removal
-label specimens and deliver them to the lab
-monitor for site for bleeding, hematoma, or infection
Medications and education for meningitis
-*administer IV antibiotics for bacterial infections
-corticosteroids -dexamethasone- (NOT for viral meningitis)
-analgesics
Education
-assess for allergies
-educate the family about the need to complete the entire course of medication
-assess temperature prior to administering acetaminophen or ibuprofen (which can mask a fever)
-monitor resp. status
-monitor LOC *are they more confused etc?
Possible complications for meningitis & nursing actions
increased intracranial pressure
-could lead to neurologic dysfunction
Nursing actions
-monitor for manifestations of increased ICP
-Newborns & Infants: bulging or tense fontanels, increased head circumference, high-pitched cry, distended scalp veins, bradycardia, respiratory changes
-Children: increased irritability, headache, N/V, diplopia, seizures, bradycardia, and resp. changes - provide interventions to reduce ICP (positioning; avoidance of coughing and straining)
Reyes Syndrome
-can be when aspirin is given to a child after a viral illness. The body’s immune system processes the aspirin through the liver, and it starts affecting the liver and the brain, causing metabolic changes.
Expected findings Reyes syndrome
- lethargy, irritability, *combativeness, delirium
Reyes labs & diagnostic
Labs: liver enzymes (High AST), blood ammonia levels (high), blood electrolytes, coagulation times can be longer
Diagnostics: liver biopsy, CSF analysis
Reyes syndrome treatment & patient education
Medications: Osmotic diuretic (mannitol) - decrease cerebral swelling, monitor for increased ICP
Patient education: should not receive aspirin, read medication labels make sure no presence of salicylates, liver function can be regained but neurologic deficits might persist
Reyes syndrome nursing care & complications
Nursing Care
-maintain hydration , I&O, catheter, coagulation and prevent bleeding
-implement seizure precautions
Complications
Neurologic sequelae: speech or hearing impairments and developmental delays
Nursing actions: explain the client’s condition to the family, help the familywith home care support services
Death:
What is epilepsy
a diagnosis of epilepsy is made if a client has two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. or if a single unprovoked seizure occurs during a period of 10 years following two unprovoked seizures
Etiology of partial (focal) seizures and generalized seizures
Partial (focal): involves one area of the brain
Generalized: involves the entire brain
Risk factors for seizures and epilepsy
Seizures: febrile (High fever episode), cerebral edema, infection or pressure intracranial, tumors cyst etc., drugs, lead poisoning, tetanus, shigella, salmonella, sodium being off
Epilepsy: trauma, hemorrhage, low glucose, congenital defects, migraines, uremia, cardiac dysfunctions
Expected findings absence (petit mal)
-Onset ages 4-12 usually stops by teenage years
-loss of consciousness lasts 5-10 seconds
-minimal change, resembles daydreaming
-may have lip smacking or twitching
-return to normal activities afterwards
Expected findings Myoclonic
-Variety of seizure episodes
-symmetric or asymmetric involvement
-brief contractions of muscle or groups of muscle
-no postictal state
-might not lose consciousness
Expected findings Atonic or Akinetic
-known as drop attacks
-onset ages 2-5
-muscle tone lost for a few seconds causes a fall
-followed by a period of confusion
-if it happens frequently child should wear a helmet to prevent injury
Expected findings partial/ focal Simple
Simple
Motor manifestation:
-Aversive seizure: most common type eyes and head turn away from the focus, may or may not involve loc
-Rolandic(sylvan seizure): tonic- clinic movements of the face, salivation, and usually occurs during sleep
Sensory Manifestations:
- tingling, numbness, pain in one area, pain spreads, may include visual sensations and motor development changes (hypertonia or posturing)