Week 10 - Encephalitis Flashcards
1
Q
what is encephalitis
A
- acute inflammation of the brain
2
Q
describe the severity of encephalitis
A
- variety of seriousness
- can be serious
- sometimes fatal
3
Q
is encephalitis typically viral or bacterial related
A
- often occurs from a virus
4
Q
what can cause encephalitis (3)
A
- associated w seasons of the year or geographic areas
- spread by ticks & mosquitos (ex. west nile virus)
- can be a complication of chickenpox, measles, or mumps
5
Q
describe the onset of encephalitis
A
- nonspecific
6
Q
what symptoms first occur w encephalitis (5)
A
nonspecific:
- fever
- HA
- nausea
- vomitting
- generally feel unwell
7
Q
describe what symptoms occur later w encephalitis
A
- 2-3 days later = alterations in cerebral function
- ranges from minimal alterations in mental status to coma
8
Q
what diagnostics are used for encephalitis (4)
A
- CT
- MRI
- PET scan
- blood tests to determine causative virus
9
Q
what is nursing & collaborative care for encephalitis aimed at (2)
A
- prevent IICP
- supportive in nature
10
Q
list nursing interventions for encephalitis (3)
A
- rest
- nutrition & fluids
- meds
11
Q
what meds are used for treatment of encephalitis (3)
A
- antipyretics for fever
- analgesics for HA
- anticonvulsants for seizures
12
Q
describe use of antiviral meds for encephalitis
A
does not generally respond to antiviral meds except:
- herpes simplex
- varicella zoster may respond to antiviral meds
13
Q
what is included in prevention of encephalitis
A
- mosquito control
