Unit 7 Flashcards
Describe a positive Brudzinski’s sign.
Pain when the head is up and chin is down.
Describe a positive kernigs sign.
Pain when the legs are raised.
What age group is most at risk for meningitis and why?
16-21 because outbreaks are most likely to occur in college dorms, military barracks and crowded living areas.
What are the pupil reaction and eye movements associated with meningitis?
Photophobia
Nystagmus
Abnormal eye movements
What are the motor response changes associated with meningitis?
Hemiparesis, hemiplegia and decreased muscle tone
Cranial nerve dysfunction (3,4,6,7,8)
What are the memory changes associated with meningitis?
Short attention span
personality and behavior change
Bewilderment
Severe and unrelenting headaches are associated with?
Meningitis
Generalized muscle aches and paines Nausea and vomiting Fever and chills Tachycardia Red macular rash
These are associated with?
Meningitis
When can seizures occur for the patient with meningitis?
When meningeal inflammation spreads to the cerebral cortex.
What is the most significant lab test that is used to diagnose meningitis?
CSF
What do you teach your patient is regards to preventing meningitis?
Get vaccines like Hib, pneumococcal, mumps, varicella and meningococcal organisms.
What are the most important nursing interventions for patients with meningitis?
Accurately monitoring and documenting their neurologic status.
When caring for a patient with meningitis, what is the priority of care?
ABC’s
How often do you take vitals for the patient with meningitis?
Every 2-4 hours.
Why is intake and output carefully monitored for the patient with with meningitis
To maintain fluid balance and prevent fluid overload.
How do you decrease environmental stimuli when caring for a patient with meningitis?
Provide a quiet environment
Minimize exposure to bright lights from windows and overhead lights
Maintain bedrest with the HOB elevated 30 degrees
What type of precautions are put into effect for the patient with bacterial meningitis?
Droplet.
How many feet do you need to stay away from a patient with meningitis if you do not have a mask on?
3 feet.
What must the patient have on when transporting them outside of the room?
A mask.
What five complications are associated with meningitis?
ICP Vascular disease Fluid and electrolyte imbalance Seizures Shock
What type of precautions is appropriate for a patient with viral meningitis?
Standard precautions
What can a 6th cranial nerve defect indicate?
Hydrocephalus
What drugs are used to treat meningitis?
Broad spectrum antibiotic until culture and gram stain results are available.
Mannitol
Which drugs are given to people who have been in close contact with a patient with N. meningitits?
Rifampin
Ciprofloxacin
Ceftriaxone
An inflammation of the brain tissue and often the surrounding meninges is known as?
Encephalitis
What are the most common cause of encephalitis?
Eastern and western encephalitis
California encephalitis
West Nile virus
What are the signs and symptoms associated with meningitis?
Nuchal rigidity Photophobia Phonophobia Headache Myalgia Nausea and vomiting
Changes in mental status Motor dysfunction Focal neurologic deficits Photophobia Fatigue Symptoms of ICP Joint pain Headache Vertigo
These manifestations are associated with?
Encephalitis
How is encephalitis diagnosed?
Lumbar puncture
What is the drug of choice for encephalitis?
Acyclovir
What would prevent elevation of HOB in the patient with encephalitis?
Post lumbar puncture
Severe hypotension
What vital sign changes must be told to the HCP for a patient with encephalitis?
Widened pulse preasure
New bradycardia
Irregular respiratory effort
Dilated and unresponsive to light pupils
Protecting the patient and family from West Nile Virus:
When time outside should be limited.
Between dusk and dawn when mosquitos are out.
Protecting the patient and family from West Nile Virus:
What type of clothing should be worn?
Protective clothing, including long sleeves and pants.
Protecting the patient and family from West Nile Virus:
What type of insect repellent is recommended ?
DEET
An upper and lower motor neuron disease of adult onset is known as?
ALS
How is ALS characterized?
Progressive weakness
Muscle wasting
Spasticity that eventually leads to paralysis
What age group is commonly affected by ALS?
People 40-60 years of age
Which gender is affected more by ALS?
Men
What is the most common cause of death in regards to the patient with ALS?
Respiratory failure.
