Week 10 - Meningitis Flashcards
what is meningitis
- inflammation of the meninges (coverings of the brain
what are 2 causes of meningitis? which is the most serious
- bacterial –> more serious
2. viral
how do microorganisms gain entry to the brain in bacterial meningitis (4)
via:
- bloodstream
- resp tract
- penetrating wounds
- skull fracture
describe the severity of bacterial meningitis
- medical emergency
what are signs of bacterial meningitis (9)
- severe HA
- fever
- NV
- nuchal rigidity
- positive kernigs sign
- positive brudinski sign
- photophobia
- seizures
- petechial rash
what is a complication of bacterial meningitis
- decreased LOC that can lead to coma
describe recovery of bacterial meningitis
- may have long-term residual effects
what typically causes viral meningitis (3)
- enterovirus
- aboviruses
- HIV
describe symptoms of viral meningitis
- symptoms not as severe
- usually no IICP
what are symptoms of viral meningitis (4)
- HA
- fever
- nuchal rigidity
- photophobia
describe recovery of viral meningitis
- full recovery expected
what diagnostics are used for bacterial & viral meningitis (3)
- blood cultures
- CT scan
- LP –> CSF analysis (confirm diagnostics)
what is the treatment of meningitis aimed at
- preventing increased ICP
what meds are used in treatment for bacterial meningitis (4)
- antibiotics immediately (even before dx confirmed) –> urgent
- steroids (dexamethasone)
- antipyretics (fever)
- anticonvulsants
prevent IICP
what is included in mngmt of bacterial meningitis (8)
- cooling blankets & cool cloths (to prevent increased temp which = IICP)
- pad siderails (d/t r/o seizures)
- low lighting & stimuli (prevent IICP)
- calm approach
- family present if possible
- encourage rest
- position for comfort
- fluids & supplemental feedings
describe isolation r/t bacterial meningitis
- resp isolation initiated for 48 hrs after antibiotics initiated (very contagious)
what is included in mngmt/treatment of viral meningitis (3)
- self-limiting
- manage symptoms
- expect full recovery
describe the use of antiviral drugs for viral meningitis
- not used for viral meningitis
a nursing diagnosis r/t bacterial meningitis is acute confusion. what nursing interventions are done for this (4)
- monitor LOC and orientation
- monitor VS
- note complaint of HA (sign of IICP)
- monitor response to stimuli
what delirium management is used for pts w bacterial meningitis (8)
- monitor neuro status
- admin PRN meds for anxiety or agitation
- provide low-stimulation enviro
- approach pt slowly and from the front
- provide approp lvl of supervision
- reorient the pt to the HCP with each contact
- communicate w simple, direct, descriptive statements
- assist w needs related to nutrition, elimination, hydration, and person hygeine
a nursing diagnosis r/t bacterial meningitis is hyperthermia. what nursing interventions are done for this (5)
- monitor temp and VS
- monitor I&O, be aware of changes in insensible fluid loss
- monitor for fever-related complications
- encourage fluid consumption
- admin meds or IV fluids
a nursing diagnosis r/t bacterial meningitis is acute pain. what nursing interventions are done for this (6)
- perform assessment of pain
- provide optimal pain relief
- utilize pharm & non-pharm measures for pain relief
- reduce or eliminate factors that increase pain
- control enviro factors that may influence the pt’s response to discomfort (ex. lighting, noise)
- institute and modify pain control measures based on the pt’s response
a nursing diagnosis r/t bacterial meningitis is seizure activity. what nursing interventions are done for this (4)
- monitor for seizure activity
- keep side rails up and padded
- admin sedative and antiseizure drugs
- carry out interventions to treat underlying causes of inflam. brain condition to prevent seizures
